UK rights watchdog warns against ‘heavy-handed’ policing of Gaza protests

EHRC calls for clearer guidance for officers to avoid a chilling effect' on freedom of expression

The UK's official human rights watchdog has written to ministers and police expressing concern at a potentially heavy-handed" approach to protests about Gaza and urging clearer guidance for officers in enforcing the law.

In the letter to Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, and Mark Rowley, the head of the Metropolitan police, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the perception that peaceful protest could attract disproportionate police attention undermines confidence in our human rights protections".