Met Police Criticized for Arrest of 'Hamas is Terrorist' Counter-Protester

The Metropolitan Police's arrest of a counter-protester at a pro-Palestine rally in London has sparked controversy over alleged double standards and concerns about free speech.

Niyak Ghorbani, a counter-protester at a pro-Palestine rally, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police after being assaulted by rally participants.
The arrest, initially for assault, was later reversed after police reviewed footage showing Ghorbani being attacked.
Critics, including former Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick and activist groups, accuse the Met of emboldening the mob and threatening free speech.
The incident has reignited debate over the Met's handling of protests, with accusations of a double standard in policing pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests.
The cost of policing Gaza-related protests in London has exceeded £32 million, highlighting the financial and operational challenges faced by the Metropolitan Police.