London police urge postponement of October 7 march — Jerusalem Post
In the United Kingdom, London police have urged the organizers of a large pro-Palestinian student march scheduled for October 7 to choose another date. Law enforcement officials said they have serious concerns about the possible impact of the event on Jewish students and university staff on the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, The Jerusalem Post reports.
March between universities
The event is due to begin at noon at King's College London and end at University College London. Organizers are calling on participants to protest against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
Senior London police officer James Harman said during a briefing at Scotland Yard that concerns relate both to the date of the march and to its route between major educational institutions in the capital. According to him, police tried to contact the organizers but were unable to identify a person willing to take formal responsibility for the event.
Police powers
The march is organized by the University of London Coalition, an association of pro-Palestinian student groups at London universities. In materials for the event, the coalition used the slogan about Palestine “from the river to the sea” and described the war in Gaza as part of what it characterizes as 78 years of genocide. One of the event announcements also depicts a red triangle, a symbol that in recent years has been associated with Hamas videos.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Scotland Yard stressed that it does not have the power to cancel a demonstration solely because of its date or political slogan. At the same time, police can impose strict conditions on the route, timing and conduct of the event if there is a risk of serious public disorder, significant disruption or intimidation of people.
Police also contacted four universities attended by students linked to the coalition. The administrations were asked to take measures to ensure that Jewish students and staff can study and work without feeling threatened, excluded or harassed. Law enforcement officials said they have zero tolerance for hate crimes, incitement to violence and displays of support for terrorist organizations.
Another major pro-Palestinian event is scheduled in central London on October 10. Police estimate that up to around 10,000 people may take part.
