Woman arrested after Brighton protest on suspicion of supporting Hamas

A woman has been arrested under terrorism laws on suspicion of supporting Hamas at a protest in Brighton on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was held on Thursday over allegations that she supported a proscribed terrorist organisation, the south-east counter-terrorism policing unit said. She was released on bail on Friday.

The arrest came after an investigation into a speech made by a woman on Sunday at a protest in Brighton in support of Palestine.

Demonstrations supporting Palestine, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war, have been taking place across the UK and are being closely watched by counter-terrorism police for signs of support for Hamas violence.

Supt Petra Lazar, from Sussex police, said: “After reviewing footage from the protest event held in Brighton on Sunday October 8, the matter was investigated by counter-terrorism policing south-east. We will continue to support them as they conduct their investigation.

“We are aware that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza is generating public concern and is impacting communities globally and locally, and we extend our support to those affected in Sussex.

“Sussex police has increased visibility across parts of Sussex to provide an increased presence and reassurance to our local communities.

“We recognise there is the potential for increased tensions and are engaging and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected.”

Police have asked anyone with information who attended the protest and may have footage to call 101.

The military wing of Hamas, Hamas IDQ, was first proscribed by the Home Office in March 2001. This was extended to cover Hamas in its entirety in November 2021.