LONDON (AP) — London’s police force has been forced to issue two apologies after officers threatened to arrest an “openly Jewish” man if he refused to leave the area around a pro-Palestinian march because his presence risked provoking the demonstrators. Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was wearing a traditional Jewish skullcap when he was stopped by police while trying to cross a street in central London as demonstrators filed past on April 13. One officer told Falter he was worried that the man’s “quite openly Jewish” appearance could provoke a reaction from the protesters, according to video posted by the campaign group. A second officer then told Falter he would be arrested if he refused to be escorted out of the area because he was “causing a breach of the peace.” London’s Metropolitan Police Service on Friday afternoon apologized for the language the officer used in describing Falter’s appearance, but said counter demonstrators had to be aware “that their presence is provocative.” |
VOX POPULI: School destroyed in 2011 tsunami teaches children a valuable lessonScathing report criticizes accountability of California's homeless fundingAny war in South China Sea 'threatens 90 per cent of Australia's fuel imports'Free pig with your house: Baffling promotion to get through China's real estate slumpFresh water farm plans rollout to be reviewed, work underway may be haltedNew Zealand being considered as potential AUKUS Pillar Two partnerVOX POPULI: Shizuoka head’s sudden exit leaves question about his ‘talent’Explore Taiwan's Treasure Hill Artist VillageCharges filed against school official in case of boy, 6, who shot teacherVOX POPULI: Molds can make food colorful and tasty but they can also be lethal