Actor Khalid Abdalla, known for his vocal stance on the Gaza-Israel conflict, is set to be interviewed by the police regarding his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration that took place on January 18. The rally, organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, attracted several thousand attendees and was held in Whitehall, near the BBC headquarters. The Metropolitan Police are investigating alleged breaches of the Public Order Act during the event.
The demonstration was initially intended to culminate in a march from Portland Place. However, authorities intervened and blocked these plans, requiring participants to remain in Whitehall. Despite this restriction, the police reported that a significant number of demonstrators proceeded to Trafalgar Square, with some attempting to continue further.
"Despite this, a large group made its way from Whitehall into Trafalgar Square and in some cases attempted to go further," stated the Metropolitan Police.
Abdalla, one of Hollywood's most outspoken figures on the Gaza-Israel issue, received a letter from the Metropolitan Police last Thursday. He is among eight individuals invited to be interviewed under caution at a police station. This inquiry follows allegations of violations of the conditions imposed on the protest.
The police have refrained from identifying other individuals involved but mentioned that two elderly men, aged 75 and 73, were released pending further investigations at the time.
Abdalla expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the right to protest.
"The right to protest is under attack in this country," he remarked.
The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign also voiced their dissatisfaction with the police's actions and narrative regarding the demonstration.
"What is claimed by the police as justification for this massive overreach of their powers is a complete misrepresentation of what took place, not just on the day but beforehand," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.
The organization further called for an end to any legal actions against those who participated in what they assert was a peaceful protest.
"We demand that the Metropolitan Police halt any prosecutions or proceedings against those involved in this entirely peaceful protest," they added.
Leave a Reply