The Metropolitan Police has stated climbing on a memorial is “unfortunate” however not unlawful after the drive was criticised for not arresting pro-Palestinian protesters who scaled a monument at Hyde Park Corner.
Footage shared on social media reveals a demonstrator draped in a Palestinian flag whereas chatting with an officer on the Royal Artillery Memorial, which commemorates the almost 50,000 troopers from the Royal Artillery killed within the First World War.
Another demonstrator who’s clutching a Palestinian flag could be seen working throughout a part of the highest of the monument which is round 30ft (9m) excessive.
The officers have been criticised for not arresting the demonstrators.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated right this moment that police recognised that whereas climbing on a struggle memorial was not unlawful, it was “unfortunate” and “inflammatory in certain ways”.
He stated it was for the federal government to think about whether or not officers needs to be given additional powers to answer protests.
“The officer recognised that while it wasn’t illegal it was unfortunate, inflammatory in certain ways. The officers at the scene asked them to get down and they did.
“So the officers intervened as officers typically do to try to de-escalate danger of battle, even when there is not an express energy to do it. So I believe they did a smart factor,” he stated.
In the video of the footage, a voice off digital camera could be heard saying: “Brother, be respectful.”
A person who seems to be one other protester is seen standing on a decrease a part of the memorial to assist him down.
At least three law enforcement officials are seen within the footage which surfaced on-line on Tuesday evening.
The Metropolitan Police stated in an announcement: “Most people would agree that to climb on or otherwise disrespect a war memorial is unacceptable… While officers were on the scene quickly, we regret they were not there not there quickly enough to prevent the protesters accessing the memorial.”
The assertion added: “There is no law explicitly making it illegal to climb on a memorial so officers cannot automatically arrest, but they can intervene and make it clear the behaviour isn’t acceptable.
“The movies shared on-line present them doing that.”
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Hundreds and hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have protested in London since the battle between Israel and Hamas broke out on 7 October.
Police detained greater than 100 protesters who broke away from a march by means of London on Armistice Day on Saturday.
Officers additionally arrested not less than 92 far-right counter-protesters have been arrested in Pimlico, central London.
The Met Police has stated 18 law enforcement officials have been injured policing two public order incidents on Armistice Day.
Source: information.sky.com”