Oxford journalists threatened by cops in Palestine protest

Israel's Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was invited to speak at an Oxford Union debate on peace in the Middle East.

She was invited to Thursday evening's 'Abraham Accords' debate by union president Charlie Mackintosh.

The protest was organised by the Oxford Arab Society, Palestinian Society and the Syrian Society.

Crowds of protesters started to grow in large numbers from 6.30pm, with a large police presence outside the union.

Officers blocked off George Street and used cameras to record protesters who had closed off St Michael's Street.

Police monitoring the protest. (Image: Tom Seaward)

Riot police officers were called to the scene, joining a reported, but unconfirmed, group of 60 police officers with six vans, four horses and a drone.

The demonstrators spoke out against what they perceived as Israeli 'oppression' of Palestinians.

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Anvee Bhutani, a journalist at The Oxford Student newspaper, told the Oxford Mail they were threatened with arrest by the police and thoroughly questioned by officers.

She said: "Myself and other student journalists were racially profiled, removed and threatened with arrest by the police."

Student journalists were checked for I.D.

Thames Valley Police were approached for comment but failed to respond to the allegations.
 

Tonight I was reporting on the protest against Tzipi Hotovely at @OxfordUnion when I was racially profiled and questioned by the police. My fellow @TheOxStu reporters and I were then removed from the area and threatened with arrest. Very disturbing and disappointing conduct.

— Anvee Bhutani (@anveebhutani) February 23, 2023

Police warn protesters to stand back (Image: Tom Seaward)

It was not the first time Ms Hotovely had been invited to speak at Oxford University. She attended an event last year at which she was interviewed by Mr Mackintosh.

A spokesperson for the Oxford Union said: "All members who wanted to attend the event who presented their membership card were granted entry with no issue.

"Some students did protest, as is their right, on St Michael's Street. The Oxford Union only oversaw security measures within our premises.
"The Oxford Union is proud of its heritage as a forum for the exchange and debate of a wide range of ideas and opinions.

"We encourage our members to challenge, question and scrutinise the views of our speakers and, especially in our bicentenary year, reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principle of free speech."

Protesters outside the Oxford Union (Image: Tom Seaward)

There are threats of a vote of no confidence in Mr Mackintosh's leadership over the controversial invitation.

At least 150 signatures were needed within 48 hours of the call – which had not been reached at the start of the weekend.

An Oxford Union spokesperson said: "The threshold has not yet been met and therefore, as of the time of this email, a motion of no confidence has not been requisitioned."