An anti-Hamas protestor arrested and tackled to the ground by Met Police officers, supported by PSNI colleagues.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed 50 of its officers were deployed this weekend in London to assist in the policing response to the ongoing protests to the war in Gaza.
Large scale protests have taken place on a weekly basis in the Capital after Israel declared war on Hamas, following the October 7th attack perpetrated by the terrorist organisation.
The deployment of local officers to the mainland came to light after videos posted online stoked controversy when a lone protester at the Saturday (9th March) event was tackled to the ground and arrested by Met officers, assisted by PSNI officers.
The man was was holding a placard stating: "Don't attack the law. Hamas is terrorist."
The 38-year-old Iranian IT Specialist, Niyak Ghorbani, who has lived in the UK for two and a half years, was surrounded by pro-Palestinian protestors before officers intervened.
Talking to Love Ballymena, Niyak said:
"As an Iranian residing in the UK, amidst the turmoil caused by extremist Islamists and Marxist-Leninists in my homeland, I strive to not only represent the voice of the Iranian people but also express gratitude to those who have welcomed me into their country.
"After enduring 45 years of bitter repression and slaughter by the Islamic Republic and its oppressive armed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and others, we, the people of Iran, seek to show the world that we are advocates of peace and friendship.
"Last night, as usual, I attended a demonstration with a sign stating 'Hamas is a terrorist organization'. Once again, I was attacked, and as I found myself surrounded and under attack, trying to defend myself, the police intervened and pushed me back.
"I told the police that I had not committed any crime and simply regard Hamas as a terrorist organisation, yet they attacked me. Initially, the police claimed my intention was to disrupt the gathering. They threw me to the ground and arrested me. Despite seeing my poster and realising I hadn't said anything against the laws of England, they detained me."
Niyak was later "de-arrested" after video footage showing the incident was shared with police. The videos have been shared many times over the last 24 hours across social media.
The Metropolitan Police were keen to emphasise the man was not arrested because of his placard, and issued a statement on Saturday night saying:
"A video has been posted on X alleging officers arrested a man for having an anti-Hamas placard. This isn't accurate.
"He was arrested after an altercation was ongoing, and officers intervened to prevent a breach of the peace. He was arrested for assault.
"Officers then fully reviewed footage provided of the incident, and he was later de-arrested.
"The arrest was not made in relation to the placard."
The incident when Niyak was arrested and tackled to the ground by Met Police officers, supported PSNI officers.
Niyak after he was de-arrested.
Commenting on the deployment of local officers in London, a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern said:
"Fifty officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland travelled to London to support UK colleagues as part of the policing response to large scale demonstrations in the City this weekend.
"This deployment followed a mutual aid request from the Metropolitan Police Service and was coordinated by the National Police Coordination Centre."
Earlier this week, North Antrim MP Ian Paisley stood with the families of hostages kidnapped into Gaza by Hamas during the October 7th attack.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley highlighting the cause of the innocent Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
The protest organised by Board of Deputies of British Jews, an organisation that advocates for the Jewish community in the UK, took place in Westminster, London to highlight the plight of the hostages and their families.
Mr Paisley commented:
"Today I am drawing attention to 28-year-old Arbel Yehuod who was kidnapped on 7th October, and Hamas cannot tell anyone where she is."
Further, the MP told Love Ballymena:
“Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. And government policy in the U.K. has proscribed Hamas as a terrorist organisation. A person should be free to express that fact.
"I understand police from Northern Ireland are constantly on training - both receiving and giving - across the U.K. and this skillshare is a longtime in practice by the Police.
"I have been campaigning every week in Parliament for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas.
"I stand with the British Board of Deputies and support their weekly protest to speak up for these innocent victims of terror, just as I appreciate others who spoke up for our innocent victims in Northern Ireland."