Overview

• North Yorkshire Police arrested 47-year-old Pete North at his Yorkshire home on Sept. 25 on suspicion of publishing or distributing material intended to stir up racial hatred.
• The meme shared on X in August displayed a Palestinian flag alongside profanities directed at Palestine, Hamas, and Islam.
• North filmed the arrest and says officers in interview fixated on the “F--- Hamas” line, claiming one appeared unaware of Hamas and the Oct. 7 atrocities.
• Police say he has been released under investigation while inquiries continue, though some outlets reported he was released without charge after questioning.
• North condemns the case as a free-speech violation, drawing support and public criticism of policing approaches to online expression.