Full Breakdown
Police Announce Crackdown on "Globalise the Intifada" Protests Following Sydney Attack
12/17/2025, 7:50:10 PM
Context of the Announcement
In response to recent violent incidents targeting Jewish communities, police forces in Greater Manchester and London have declared a new approach to protests featuring the slogan "globalise the intifada." This decision follows a terror attack during a Jewish festival in Sydney, Australia, where 15 individuals were killed. The surviving suspect, Naveed Akram, faces multiple charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses. The police's statement reflects a heightened sensitivity to the implications of protest language in the current climate of rising antisemitism.
Police Strategy and Community Response
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized that the context has changed, necessitating a more assertive stance against chants and slogans perceived as inciting violence. They stated, “The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences.” The police plan to utilize the Public Order Act to impose conditions on protests, particularly around synagogues during services, and increase visible patrols in sensitive areas.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which advocates for Jewish safety in the UK, welcomed the police's announcement. A spokesperson remarked that the recent attacks have left Jewish communities feeling "frightened and vulnerable," and called for tougher action against hateful expressions at protests. The CST views the police's commitment to arrest individuals using inflammatory slogans as a necessary step to combat rising antisemitism.
Criticism of Police Measures
However, the decision has drawn criticism from groups advocating for Palestinian rights. Ben Jamal, director of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, condemned the police's approach as a form of political repression against protests advocating for Palestinian rights. He argued that the police did not consult with relevant community representatives before making such a significant statement regarding protest rights. Jamal stated, “The horrific massacre in Sydney... should not be used as a justification to further repress fundamental democratic rights of protest and free speech in this country.”
Broader Implications and Government Response
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to the rising antisemitism by increasing funding for Jewish community security to £28 million and initiating a review of protest and hate crime laws. He acknowledged the reality of antisemitism as "poisonous" and emphasized the need for collective action against it.
The term "intifada," historically associated with Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation, is contentious. While some view it as a call for violent resistance against Israel, others interpret it as a demand for peaceful opposition to colonialism. This divergence in interpretation complicates the police's enforcement of protest regulations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sir Mark and Sir Stephen said in a joint statement: “The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences.” — Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner
- “In particular, given the wave of terrorism against Jews around the world, it is intolerable that a call for a global “intifada” should be allowed on our streets.” — Community Security Trust spokesperson
- “The horrific massacre in Sydney, Australia should not be used as a justification to further repress fundamental democratic rights of protest and free speech in this country,” — Ben Jamal, Director of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy in the interpretation of the term "intifada." While some sources describe it as a violent call against Jewish people, others argue it represents a peaceful resistance to occupation. This divergence highlights the complexity surrounding the term and its implications for protests in the UK.
