Activist Peter Tatchell was arrested Saturday at a pro-Palestine march in London for displaying a placard with the phrase “globalise the intifada.” Tatchell, 74, stated the arrest was an “attack on free speech” and that police informed him the word “intifada” was unlawful.
Context of the Arrest
The placard also read, “Non-violent resistance. End Israel’s occupation of Gaza & West Bank.” According to the Peter Tatchell Foundation, Tatchell defines “globalise the intifada” as creating a worldwide campaign modeled after the anti-apartheid movement, advocating for boycott, sanction, and divestment.
Tatchell asserts the Arabic word “intifada” translates to “uprising, rebellion or resistance” and does not inherently denote violence or antisemitism, but rather opposition to the Israeli regime. He maintains his support for Palestinian resistance is distinct from hatred towards Jewish people, citing his participation in a March Against Antisemitism in November 2023.
Shifting Police Stance
The Metropolitan Police stated 13 arrests were made at the Palestine Coalition protest, alongside one arrest at a counter-demonstration. The police had previously announced in December that individuals chanting “globalise the intifada” would be arrested, citing a change in context following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney.
Tatchell reported that three individuals were charged last month with a similar offense related to expressing support for an intifada. He is currently pursuing legal action against the Metropolitan Police regarding a previous arrest in May, where he claims he was wrongly arrested for a racially and religiously aggravated offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tatchell say the word “intifada” means?
Tatchell states the Arabic word “intifada” means uprising, rebellion or resistance against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and does not inherently mean violence.
Why did the Metropolitan Police change their policy regarding the phrase “globalise the intifada”?
The Metropolitan Police stated the “context has changed” following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, leading to the decision to arrest individuals using the phrase.
Has Tatchell been arrested before during protests?
Yes, Tatchell was arrested in May for holding a placard regarding Israel and Hamas, and he is currently taking legal action against the Metropolitan Police regarding that arrest.
Given the evolving legal landscape surrounding protest speech, what impact might this case have on future demonstrations and the exercise of free expression in the UK?
