Woman arrested for terror offence following pro-Palestine rally in Brighton
Counter Terrorism Police are now appealing for witnesses
Last updated 13th Oct 2023
A 22-year-old woman from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation after a pro-Palestine rally in the city.
Detectives say the investigation focuses on a speech made by a woman at the protest on Sunday (8th October), following the recent attacks by Hamas against Israel.
The University of Sussex has since confirmed that the woman is one of their students.
Yesterday (Thursday 12th October) a 22-year-old woman from Brighton was arrested in connection with this investigation, on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, namley Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (Hamas), under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who attended the protest event and in particular, anyone who may have video footage of the protest and speech.
If you have any information that could help, please call 101, quoting the Sussex Police reference number 781 of 07/10.
Superintendent Petra Lazar from Sussex Police said: “After reviewing footage from the protest event held in Brighton on Sunday 8 October, the matter was investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE). 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.
“Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police.”
The arrested woman remains in police custody at this time.
A University of Sussex spokesperson said: "Following comments made by a student at a demonstration in Brighton on October 8 2023, the university initiated an investigation, in line with our procedures.
"The university takes very seriously our obligations to support students and staff and to provide a safe and secure environment in which to work, live and study, and will continue to take action to this end.
"This case is now a live counter-terrorism police investigation and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point."