OPINION: The time for prosecutors turning a blind eye to racial hatred against Jews is over

I was truly sickened watching the video, filmed on Tuesday evening, of individuals caught ripping down posters of innocent Israeli hostages cruelly seized on 7th October.

One of them, an obvious coward, tried to cover his face. Another walked away smiling – as if proud.

This occurred in Leicester Square, the heart of our capital city. The venom shown was chilling.

The Metropolitan Police are aware of the footage, indicating that “officers will continue to be in the area carrying out reassurance patrols. At this time, no offences have been identified”.

This is once again a wholly inadequate response. The behaviour of the culprits was prone to glorify acts of terror and no doubt intended to be.

Their actions were threatening, abusive and insulting, intended or likely to stir up racial hatred.

Racial hatred against Jews.

These dangerous people, and like-minded individuals, must be punished severely. It’s time the police and authorities reacted appropriately in a world of escalating and poisonous antisemitism.

There is a case. It should be vigorously pursued.

This is the United Kingdom. If the law doesn’t fit today, it must be made to work tomorrow.

The time for prosecutors to turn a blind eye is over.

• Jeremy Dein KC is an English barrister specialising in criminal defence. This article was first published on his LinkedIn account