A Palestinian activist was detained at Heathrow Airport on Sunday under the Firearms Act after wearing a jumper featuring a map of Palestine.
The incident reportedly occurred as the male activist arrived to report on the departure from the UK of Israeli politician Gideon Sa’ar, who is accused of war crimes in Gaza.
The arrest has sparked allegations of political repression and racial profiling.
In a video shared on social media, the activist is stopped by heavily armed police officers who question him about his attire.
The jumper, adorned with a keffiyeh-patterned map of Palestine, was deemed provocative by authorities.
Critics argue that the arrest reflects a broader pattern of suppressing pro-Palestinian expression in the UK.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
In recent months, there have been multiple instances where people have faced legal action or police questioning for displaying symbols associated with Palestine.
For example, a teenager was questioned by counterterrorism police at an airport for wearing a Palestinian flag, and another person was charged for wearing a headband with Islamic symbols at a pro-Palestine rally.
The arrest occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding the departure of Sa’ar from London, where he had been meeting with UK government officials despite calls for his arrest.
Sa’ar’s visit, described by the UK Foreign Office as “private,” has led to calls from human rights activists for legal action, with several groups seeking to prosecute him for alleged complicity in war crimes.
The London-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Brussels-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) have sent a joint letter to the UK’s Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions, requesting approval for a private prosecution.
The activists also prepared an application for an arrest warrant, which is set to be presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
