British Government Asks For Palestinian Pro Demo Postponed Post-attack In Sinagoge Manchester

UNSPLASH/Karollyne ILLUSTRATION Videira Hubert

JAKARTA - The British government and police have urged pro-Palestinian demonstration organizers planned in London this weekend to cancel or delay the activity, following a deadly attack near Manchester's synagoge.

British Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood urged protesters to "stay away" for several days so that the Jewish community has time to mourn and process what has happened.

Two people died on Thursday when a man was driving a car at pedestrians and then started stabbing them outside Sinagoga the Hebrew Congregation of Heaton Park in Manchester.

The perpetrator of the attack was identified by police as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, who was shot dead at the scene by armed officers.

"The horrific terrorist attack that took place in Manchester yesterday has caused significant fear and concern in various communities in the UK, including in London," the Metropolitan Police said in X.

The demonstration on Saturday was organized by Defend Our Juries to oppose the British government's July decision to ban pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, under anti-terrorism laws, making it a crime.

Since then, a number of protests have been held to support the group, and more than 1,500 people have been arrested, many of whom are elderly, for violations related to the ban.

The Metropolitan Police said they wanted to deploy every available officer to protect the people affected by the attack on Manchester, but they had to prepare for a meeting of more than 1,000 people at Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday to support Palestine Action.

"By choosing to encourage mass law violations on this scale, Defend Our Juries (prone organizers) is attracting resources from the people of London at their most needed time," the police said.

Responding to a police statement, Defend Our Juries said they condemned the attack on the Jewish community in Manchester. They said whether or not the arrest was made in the protest was the police's choice.

"Therefore, we urge you to prioritize protecting the public, rather than arrest those who peacefully hold banners against the prohibition of absurd and cruel domestic direct action groups," said Defend Our Juries.