ICJP writes to UK authorities over woman threatened with arrest for opposing genocide

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written to a local police authority and the UK Home Secretary, demanding a formal investigation as to why a woman was threatened with arrest on terror charges for holding up anti-genocide signs, after rejecting that she supported proscribed organisations when asked.

ICJP said armed police threatened peaceful protester Laura Murton, 42, for holding a Palestinian flag and having signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide”.

She was threatened with arrest under terrorism laws, despite not saying anything or holding any signs that denoted support for any proscribed groups. When explicitly asked if she supported any proscribed organisations, she replied “I do not.”

ICJP said on Friday that it had brought a formal complaint to Kent Police, asking for clarity regarding the conduct of officers who attempted to make unfounded allegations against Murton for her protest.

It also asked the Home Secretary for clarity on what guidance the Home Office has issued to police officers regarding protests that do not relate to Palestine Action, a group that was recently proscribed by the UK government.

"This incident represents the sought chilling effect on speech and assembly of those who wish to speak out against Israel’s violations of international law, that arises from misuse and misinterpretation of terror laws since the proscription of Palestine Action," ICJP said.

It accused UK authorities of misusing the ban "to police the support for Palestine more generally, and any opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza".