CAGE Challenges Met Police Commissioner And Chair Of National Police Chiefs On Disproportionate Policing Amidst Crackdown On Pro-Palestine Protesters

<p dir="ltr">London - As tensions rise over recent police crackdowns on pro-Palestine protesters, CAGE has penned a detailed letter to Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, questioning the police’s disproportionate approach, highlighting their inaction in ensuring the safety of Arab and Muslim communities and inaction in the face of British citizens openly travelling to Israel to partake in war crimes.</p> <p dir="ltr">The letter, addressed to Chief Constables across England and Wales, raises crucial questions about the connection between Home Secretary instructions and discriminatory policing, challenging the police to prioritise non-discriminatory practices over compliance with political directives.</p> <p dir="ltr">CAGE further spotlights the concerning situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding war crimes. CAGE calls for the security risks posed by individuals returning from serving with the Israeli Occupation Forces to be rigorously assessed and demands an end to the discriminatory application of anti-terror legislation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The letter raises four critical questions:</p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: decimal;" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Can the police provide reassurance that thier force will prioritise non-discriminatory policing over compliance with the Home Secretary's directives?</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: decimal;" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">What measures are in place to monitor and assess the risks posed by individuals traveling to and from conflict zones, particularly Israel, pursuant to <a href="https://www.cage.ngo/schedule-7-harassment-at-borders-report">Schedule 7</a> of the Terrorism Act 2000?</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: decimal;" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How is the safety and security of Arabs and Muslims in Britain being safeguarded in light of the risks highlighted in the letter?</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: decimal;" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">What concrete steps will be taken to investigate British citizens who may have participated in war crimes or crimes against humanity, particularly in the context of Israel and Gaza?</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">Amidst growing concerns about police independence and the principle of "policing by consent," CAGE's message is clear: Immediate action is needed to address these pressing concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council are urged to respond to these urgent concerns within the next seven days.</p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Copy of the letter sent to Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner.</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">[pdf-embedder url="https://www.cage.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/201023-CAGE-Letter-to-Met-Police-Re-Palestine-Protests.docx.pdf" title="201023 - CAGE Letter to Met Police Re Palestine Protests.docx"]</p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Copy of the letter sent to Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council.</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">[pdf-embedder url="https://www.cage.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/201023-CAGE-Letter-to-NPCC-Re-Palestine-Protests.docx.pdf" title="201023 - CAGE Letter to NPCC Re Palestine Protests.docx"]</p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Photo courtesy of @theeastlondonphotographer on Unsplash.</em></p>