Rachel Riley issues stunned reaction as Jewish man arrested after Star of David 'antagonised' pro-Palestine protestors

The Countdown star has been a vocal campaigner against antisemitism ever since stepping into the limelight
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Countdown presenter Rachel Riley has made her feelings crystal clear following the reports that a Jewish lawyer spent almost 10 hours in police custody following his arrest at a pro-Palestine rally.
Recorded interviews revealed that officers questioned whether his Star of David pendant was "antagonising" demonstrators in footage obtained by the Telegraph.
The man, whose identity remains protected due to safety concerns, was detained on August 29 at 7pm outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington and wasn't released until 4:30am the next day.
During questioning at Hammersmith police station, a detective constable asked about the religious symbol hanging from a silver chain around his neck, suggesting it might cause "offence" to protesters.
Rachel Riley has campaigned against antisemitism
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Interview recordings from the police station reveal the detective, who normally worked in the robbery unit, questioned the arrested man about his "political beliefs" and asked directly: "What necklace are you wearing?"
The officer suggested that if members of the public reported feeling the Star of David was "antagonising them, shouldn't police act on that information?"
During the hour-long interview that began at 1am, the detective questioned why the suspect wasn't wearing anything that "overtly identifies you as a legal observer" and accused him of getting "quite close" to pro-Palestine demonstrators with his camera.
The man's solicitor interrupted the questioning, stating: "I am concerned about this question about the Star of David."
Rachel Riley is best known for her role on Countdown
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The detective defended the line of inquiry, describing it as "a very niche environment where tensions are high."
The arrested lawyer condemned his treatment, stating: "They are trying to criminalise the wearing of a Star of David. They said I was antagonising and agitating pro-Palestine protesters with my Star of David."
The footage has been circulated far and wide on social media, including by political commentator and GB News guest Lee Harris. "I can't believe what I've just watched," he said alongside the clip.
"A Jewish lawyer wearing a Star of David was arrested after the police alleged the symbol had "antagonised" pro-Palestine protesters. He was handcuffed and detained by police for almost TEN hours. DISGUSTING! Shame on you @metpoliceuk." (sic)
Astounding https://t.co/pRuRftfUgJ
— Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) October 18, 2025
His post on X caught the attention of Ms Riley, who simply reacted to the footage with the word: "Astounding."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also condemned the incident on Saturday as "a moral disgrace," declaring: "The Star of David is a symbol of Jewish identity, not provocation."
He added: "The fact that Jews are warned in central London not to display it publicly shows how rampant antisemitism spread through hateful 'pro-Palestinian' marches in Britain has poisoned the streets."
Sa'ar demanded British authorities "ban antisemitic slogans and conduct a full institutional review."
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Rachel Riley has regularly spoken out against antisemitism
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The Metropolitan Police has rejected claims that the arrest was connected to the religious pendant, stating the man was detained for "allegedly repeatedly breaching Public Order Act conditions that were in place to keep opposing protest groups apart."
According to police, the man was required to remain in an area designated for the pro-Israel group Stop The Hate, separate from the pro-Palestinian International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network demonstration.
Officers alleged he "continuously approached" the IJAN area over an hour, filming protesters at close range and "provoking a reaction."
The force stated officers intervened "at least four times" requesting he return to the designated area before arresting him after "multiple warnings."
Six weeks following the incident, the lawyer remains on police bail whilst the investigation continues.