Zack Polanski Reaffirms Concerns Over Police Actions During Golders Green Arrest
Green Party leader Zack Polanski maintains his concerns regarding the actions of police officers involved in the arrest of the Golders Green terror attack suspect, even after apologising for sharing a critical social media post. Polanski stated that public service personnel "should not be above scrutiny" and that any action must be "proportionate no matter how brave."
His earlier apology on Friday for "sharing a tweet in haste" followed a repost on X (formerly Twitter) that accused officers of "repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by Taser." Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley had criticised Polanski, accusing him of amplifying "inaccurate and misinformed commentary."
Communities Secretary Steve Reed deemed it "shameful" that Polanski "still questioning the police's response," later adding that Polanski's apology "clearly means nothing given he continues to denigrate the actions of our brave police officers." Polanski clarified his apology stemmed from social media not being "the appropriate forum to have that concern." He has requested a meeting with Sir Mark to discuss the matter.
The controversy follows the stabbing of two Jewish men, Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine, in Golders Green, London, on Wednesday, an incident declared a terror attack. Essa Suleiman, 45, faces three charges of attempted murder, as well as an assault charge in Southwark on the same day. The Golders Green victims have since been discharged from hospital.
The incident has also reignited debate over protest language. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for the prosecution of individuals chanting "globalise the intifada," labelling it "extreme racism." Polanski, who is Jewish, disagreed with Sir Keir, stating he would "discourage" the phrase but is "not interested in trying to police people's language," emphasising freedom of speech and protest. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander indicated the government would take "steps that are appropriate" without an "outright ban." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called for a moratorium on pro-Palestinian marches, arguing they normalise "hatred towards Jews."
The term 'intifada' emerged during the 1987 Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. While Jewish groups interpret it as a call for violence against Jewish people, pro-Palestinian groups assert it signifies peaceful resistance to occupation. In December, the Met and Greater Manchester Police announced a revised approach to the slogan, threatening arrests for its use in chants or on placards, particularly after the Bondi Beach attack in Australia.
