Zack Polanski’s criticism of Golders Green attack arrest will have ‘chilling effect’, says Met chief
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley criticized Green Party leader Zack Polanski for retweeting a post that accused officers of excessive force during the arrest of a terrorism suspect in Golders Green, saying the action could have a 'chilling effect' on police. Rowley defended the officers' actions, emphasizing the need for political leaders to support law enforcement and help reduce tensions amid rising antisemitic attacks. The Green Party acknowledged the complexity of the situation and called for a fuller understanding of the incident while reaffirming solidarity with the Jewish community.
- ▪Metropolitan Police arrested a 45-year-old man after two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green, north-west London, in an incident treated as terrorism.
- ▪Police used a stun gun to subdue the suspect, who was allegedly violent and refused to show his hands during the confrontation.
- ▪Zack Polanski retweeted a post accusing officers of 'repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head' without adding a comment of his own.
- ▪Met Commissioner Mark Rowley said the post Polanski shared was 'inaccurate and misinformed' and warned that such criticism could have a 'chilling effect' on police.
- ▪The Green Party condemned the antisemitic attack and expressed support for the Jewish community while calling for more clarity on the police response.
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The Green party leader’s retweet of a post accusing officers of ‘repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head’ provoked criticism from Met chief Mark Rowley, who said political leaders should be ‘confronting antisemitism and permissive rhetoric, lowering tensions and backing those who are willing to step in to protect the public’. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe Green party leader’s retweet of a post accusing officers of ‘repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head’ provoked criticism from Met chief Mark Rowley, who said political leaders should be ‘confronting antisemitism and permissive rhetoric, lowering tensions and backing those who are willing to step in to protect the public’.
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