Metropolitan Police to pay £7,500 to woman arrested over Gaza protest placard
The Metropolitan Police have agreed to pay £7,500 in damages to Aisha Jung following her arrest over a Gaza protest placard in Trafalgar Square in November 2023. Jung, 53, from south London, was detained alongside her husband and two sons after police warned that her sign, which read "Apartheid Israel, what a cuntry", could be offensive.
She was arrested, searched, and taken to Bromley police station where she was held until 4am. During her detention, fingerprints, a photograph, and DNA samples were taken, and she was questioned under suspicion of a religious or racial offence under the Public Order Act. Jung was released on bail until March 2024 and was informed in May 2025 that no action would be taken against her.
The settlement includes damages for false imprisonment, assault and battery, and misfeasance in public office. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has called for clearer guidance to police and ministers on handling Gaza-related protests, highlighting concerns about a heavy-handed approach.
Civil liberties solicitor Bríd Doherty stated that the case reflects hostility to peaceful protest and welcomed the settlement as recognition that the arrest was inappropriate. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the complexity of policing protests and noted there is no definitive list of offences. They intend to use this case to improve guidance for officers and decision-making in the future.
