The arrest of Jewish Israeli academic Prof. Haim Bresheeth in London has sparked controversy amid allegations of a government crackdown on anti-genocide advocacy. Bresheeth was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police during his participation in an anti-genocide demonstration outside the residence of the Israeli Ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely. The protest was organized by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) and the Jewish Network for Palestine (JNP).
Prof. Bresheeth, a vocal critic of Israeli policies, was reportedly arrested for allegedly showing support for a proscribed organization, according to the Metropolitan Police. His arrest is seen by some as part of a broader pattern under the Keir Starmer government, where anti-terror legislation is purportedly used to target journalists and activists critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This includes cases where electronic devices were seized and journalists were detained under the Terrorism Act.
The situation raises significant concerns about the balance between national security measures and the protection of free speech, particularly regarding criticism of governmental policies and international human rights issues.
