The Guardian newspaper of 17 July 2025 reported the case of a protester threatened by arrest by two armed police officers for carrying signs stating “Free Gaza” and “Israel is supporting genocide”. One of the officers was recorded by the protester telling her that “Mentioning freedom of Gaza, Israel, genocide, all of that all come under proscribed groups which are terror groups that have been dictated [sic] by the government” (my emphasis).
The Guardian further reported a Kent police spokesperson as saying: “Under the Terrorism Act it is a criminal offence to carry or display items that may arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation such as Palestine action” (my emphasis).
Now, I had not heard of Palestine Action until very recently, but have long held views that may not be dissimilar to those of the protester in Kent. Am I now to disown my previously freely and sincerely held opinions? What should I believe instead: presumably Kent police could tell me what my opinions should be so that I can be a good boy and start thinking correctly.
Were I to be searched by police for, say, carrying a copy of a letter on the subject to my MP (I am about to write to him), would I be breaking the law? Or suppose I were reading on a train one of Noam Chomsky’s books about Palestine, might I be arrested for carrying, of even, heaven forefend, displaying it by reading it?
I have been working on an item about censorship which I will upload next. Unless, of course, I am arrested.
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