Police say man professing ‘love’ for Hamas was just ‘amicably arguing’ for his cause

Police have refused to investigate a vile video of a man declaring “love and support” for Hamas, saying the footage shows the terrorist sympathiser “amicably arguing” for his cause.

Jewish News supplied video the incident on Oxford Street on 1 November to the Metropolitan Police. It shows a man ripping down posters of kidnapped Israelis and then stating: “Hamas, my mujahadeen brothers. I love them, I support them, I pray for them. Put this video on YouTube and tell Rishi Sunak we love them and pray for them.”

Jewish News also provided police with the terrorist supporter’s full name, mobile phone number, email address and business address, sent to us by a concerned reader who recognised the individual in question.

After two months of delays, during which time the case was mistakenly closed and then reopened, it has now been decided that no action will be taken.

In correspondence between the police and the individual who filmed the video, the police state: “This is a protracted discourse between the groups where both are amicably arguing their points for support of their own cause. Each party has freedom of expression, no matter how correct or incorrect their points are.

“Also in relation to the allegation that the suspect pledges allegiance to Hamas, this is slightly misleading in the fact that he is asked the direct question of “Do you support Hamas?”, to which he responds that he loves and prays for them. This does not meet the threshold for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. Also there is a clear defence of entrapment as he is asked outright.”

The Community Security Trust has urged the police to reconsider the case. A spokesperson said: “Expressing support for Hamas is among the most upsetting and alarming behaviour we have seen in the wave of antisemitism that has hit the Jewish community since the Hamas terror attack on 7 October. It is vital that people are prosecuted and convicted whenever this is possible. We urge the police to look at this case again and review whether charges could be brought.”

The person who filmed the video and reported the incident to the police said: “It’s terrifying that there’s an atmosphere where people feel emboldened to make such statements without fear of prosecution. It terrifies me that I share a city with individuals who support the death of me and my family. I am at a loss as to the purpose of laws pertaining to supporting proscribed terror groups if such open and clear support is not prosecuted.”