Campaigner Peter Tatchell arrested for carrying ‘globalise the intifada’ placard

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Sammy GecsoylerJanuary 31, 2026 at 05:08 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Activist Peter Tatchell was arrested at a pro-Palestine march in London on Saturday for holding a sign that read "globalise the intifada: Non-violent resistance. End Israel’s occupation of Gaza & West Bank." The Metropolitan Police cited a public order offense, stating that the context of the phrase had changed after a recent terror attack. Tatchell, who was taken to Sutton police station, condemned the arrest as an attack on free speech, arguing that "intifada" signifies resistance against occupation, not violence or antisemitism. He stated that he was advocating for non-violent tactics like boycott, sanction and divestment. The Metropolitan Police reported 13 arrests from the Palestine Coalition protest and one from a counter-demonstration.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South Africa 30% Palestine Coalition ×240% Sutton police station 40% Peter Tatchell Foundation 40% West Bank ×250% Gaza Strip ×250% Metropolitan Police ×260% Palestine ×260% Israel ×370% London ×470% Peter Tatchell ×690%

Keywords

peter tatchell 100% globalise the intifada 100% arrest 90% pro-palestine march 80% israeli occupation 70% free speech 70% non-violent resistance 60% metropolitan police 50% antisemitism 40%