Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell face police questioning after attending a pro-Palestine protest in London that led to multiple arrests
London: So, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell were interviewed by the police after they showed up at a pro-Palestine rally. This happened in central London, and it was quite the scene.
They were part of a big crowd at a Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest, which ended up with 77 people getting arrested. The police said some folks broke through their line while marching from Whitehall.
Three older men, aged 75, 73, and 61, went to a police station voluntarily to be interviewed under caution. Corbyn and McDonnell haven’t said much yet.
The police had to change the rally from a march to a static event because they didn’t want people marching past certain places, like the BBC and a synagogue. They set up some rules to keep demonstrators out of specific areas.
Despite the restrictions, thousands still showed up, including Corbyn, who’s 75 and represents Islington North, and McDonnell, 73, who’s from Hayes and Harlington. They marched towards Trafalgar Square after some speeches.
On Saturday, the Met announced that 77 arrests were made, which is the highest number for any of the pro-Palestine protests since October 2023.
They even shared a photo on social media, claiming it showed a group that forced their way through the police line. Corbyn quickly pushed back on that, saying it wasn’t true at all.
He explained that they were part of a group that wanted to lay flowers in memory of children killed in Gaza, and the police had actually facilitated that. They didn’t force their way through.
McDonnell backed him up, saying they were allowed through and laid down their flowers before dispersing.
As for the arrests, 24 people were bailed, and 48 are still in custody. The police said nine people have been charged, including Corbyn’s brother, Piers.
Scotland Yard mentioned that the three men who went in for questioning were not named, but they’re all older gentlemen.
A spokesperson for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign called for the release of those still detained, arguing that their peaceful delegation was wrongly treated by the police.
They insisted that the police’s actions were an attack on freedom of assembly and democracy, and they’re standing firm in their fight for justice for the Palestinian people.
