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Wanted: hard core in Israeli embassy riots
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent22.01.09
POLICE today released images of men wanted for attacking police and smashing shop windows during anti-Israeli demonstrations in London.
Detectives are searching for about 40 protesters they say were involved in violence and disorder during two clashes near the Israeli embassy in Kensington this month.
Fifty-five officers were injured, though none seriously, and several shops and restaurants were damaged. The bill for policing the protests is estimated at more than £1 million.
Police say the majority of people protesting against the Israeli invasion of Gaza were peaceful and law abiding.
But Commander Bob Broadhurst, in charge of policing demonstrations, said: "A small minority of people set out that day, not to air their views but to fight with police. I have no doubt that a small hard core acted as antagonists during both demonstrations stirring up others within the crowd.
"We know that a number of responsible demonstrators worked hard to try and keep the hard core calm, placing themselves in danger. Our right to protest is an important one and should never be undermined by thugs and louts who simply want to cause trouble."
A team of detectives set up to find the extremists today released images taken from CCTV and by police cameramen in an attempt to identify troublemakers. On 3 January, 12,000 people marched from Embankment to Trafalgar Square. Later about 2,000 people marched on to the Israeli embassy where a group tried to break through the police lines, attacking officers. Afterwards a knife was found embedded in the embassy gatepost which police believe had been thrown at them. Thirteen people were arrested but police are seeking 17 others. On 10 January police outside the embassy came under attack after a march involving up to 20,000 people.
Metal barriers, sticks and stones were hurled at officers and a Starbucks was looted. Police made 24 arrests on the day but are seeking at least 20 others.
Anyone with information is asked to call 07918 767901, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reader views (7)
On the TV coverage, I saw several rioters wearing masks or other headgear that hid their faces. This shows premeditated intent to break the law, and presumably the police are no wiser as to who these hooded thugs might be.
It is about time that using such headgear is made illegal. Definitely so at any demonstration where the police order the demonstrators to show their faces. Preferably, at any time in any public place, unless there are overriding requirements to wear (say) protective headgear or breathing masks.
- Nigel, London
Why were the Police running away from protesters in St.James' Street. I've never seen the Police look so scared,especially under such little threat, just a few people screaming insults. If that had been a football crowd, the truncheons would have been out in no time.
- Ted, London
Ive seen more trouble over a football match,over a ball being kicked between 2 poles,I think passions run higher over the blockade,and bombing of the civilian population of Gaza,Quiet rightly.Of course a few windows will get broken.Maybe you should be grateful that something far worse hasn't happened?
- Kev, London-UK
Rich - if outsiders were involved in that fracas then the insiders would have noticed, don't you think? Or if these insiders are mindless dolts that know nothing of what they are doing, it kinda puts their protest in perspective, doesn't it? Can't have it both ways.
Agent provocateurs - official plants in a peaceful demo. Hmmmm that's an awful lot of people, 40+ - are you suggesting military or others? That would be a little difficult (understatement!) to keep under wraps.
I have another suggestion. A choice of two, actually. Paranoia, or making unprovable accusations just because you can and for your own amusement.
- Rogan, Irving
It doesn't matter what your views are on the troubles in Israel and Gaza, or what your position is on such demonstration, if you use such a demonstration to initiate and/or take place in acts of violence, 5 years minimum, sentence.
- Escobar A-Lop-Lop, Camden County
You would never see even one pro Israel protestor causing trouble. It seems inherent in the pro palestinian supporters to cause trouble and make a scene. It appears the Gazans also have this violent attitude, maybe what we see on a tiny scale on our streets is felt millions fold in Israel when Qassams are launched into the country.
We use riot police to protect our country, Israel uses miliary force
- Peter Cox, London, UK
"I have no doubt that a small hard core acted as antagonists during both demonstrations stirring up others within the crowd"
Yes. We tend to call them agent provocateurs. Of course, the state would never...ever...use them would it.
- Rich, London
