Sussex uni student detained by counter-terrorism police after hailing Hamas as ‘inspiring’
Sussex University is facing pressure to expel the pro-Palestinian officer
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Counter-terrorism police have arrested a 22-year-old student from the University of Sussex after hailing Hamas terror attacks as “beautiful and inspiring”.
Elected women students’ officer Hanin Barghouti was filmed addressing a protest in Brighton organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on Saturday – the day Hamas terrorists crossed the border and began murdering and kidnapping Israelis.
Addressing the crowds, Barghouti said: “Yesterday was a victory. For freedom fighters to break out of a 15-year blockade so successfully under the inhuman genocide of Israel was so beautiful and inspiring to see.
WATCH NOW: Hanin Barghouti speaks at rally
“It shows the world that we will always fight and always resist and we need to celebrate these acts of resistance because this is a success. Revolutionary violence initiated by Palestinians is not terrorism - it is self-defence...”
“And it is currently because of the liberation of the Palestinian people under illegal occupation for 75 years.
“I’m gonna leave you with this. This is not a Muslim issue. This is not an Arab issue. This is a human rights issue.”
Her speech was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
Police said the student was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation.
In a statement, they appealed for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.
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.”LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A spokesperson from Sussex University told GB News: “We have received a complaint about a Sussex student expressing views on the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel. The University is currently seeking to establish the facts, and, if necessary, will take action in line with our policies and the law.”
Her comments come after antisemitic attacks took place yesterday in Golders Green, north London.
A Kosher restaurant in London has been targeted as part of an antisemitic attack against Jewish people, with its windows smashed in.
A nearby bridge was branded with the words “Free Palestine”.
Her speech was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
The UK is working with other countries to try and ensure that the conflict in Gaza does not develop into a wider regional conflict, according to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
He told GB News: “We have to understand that Israel has experienced an unprecedented terrorist atrocity. Hundreds upon hundreds of people killed, children, women, civilians, old people, killed and kidnapped.
“The international support is incredibly important to them, is meaningful for them. Of course, they are absolutely determined to focus their response exclusively on the Hamas terrorists operating out of Gaza and they are very, very keen that this violence does not spill over either on to the West Bank or to the countries on their borders.
“We are working diplomatically with the countries in the region to try and ensure that Hamas don't get what they want, which is to turn this into a wider conflict.”