Met Police: 'River to the Sea' Chant Not Criminal at Protests

The controversial chant projected onto Big Ben during a pro-Palestinian rally has sparked debate, but London police state it's not a crime in public protests.

• Downing Street condemned the projection of 'from the river to the sea' onto Big Ben during a pro-Palestinian rally, sparking a debate over its meaning.
• The phrase, seen by some as calling for the eradication of Israel, was projected as MPs debated a ceasefire in Gaza, leading to chaotic scenes in the Commons.
• The Metropolitan Police stated that while the chant could be unlawful in certain contexts, its use in public protests like the one on Wednesday is not a criminal offense.
• Critics, including Conservative MP Andrew Percy, have labeled the slogan as 'genocidal', accusing the police of failing to act against what they see as hate speech.
• The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, which organized the protest, was pleased with the projection, emphasizing the chant's role in advocating for Palestinian rights.

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