Police Launch Criminal Investigation Into Pro-Palestinian Group's 'Armed Resistance' Social Media Post
West Midlands Police have initiated a criminal investigation into a newly formed pro-Palestinian organisation following a controversial social media post in which the group declared itself "unapologetically pro Armed Resistance." The Anti-Zionist Movement (AZM), a Birmingham-based grassroots organisation, made the statement on its Instagram account while promoting its upcoming launch event.
Controversial Post and Subsequent Removal
The now-deleted Instagram post described the AZM as "a Palestinian-led grassroots movement that's unapologetically anti-zionist, Pro Armed Resistance, upholds the Thawabet [sic] [and] campaigns against Jewish Supremacy." The Thawabit refers to the founding principles of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which governs Palestinian territories.
After initially removing the post, the group republished it without the "Pro Armed Resistance" reference, but their entire Instagram profile was subsequently taken down. The organisation had planned to launch on Sunday at The Old Print Works arts centre in Birmingham's Balsall Heath area, but the venue cancelled the event this week, stating it could not guarantee a "safe space" for attendees.
Featured Speakers with Controversial Backgrounds
The cancelled event was scheduled to feature several controversial speakers with histories of anti-Zionist activism and allegations of antisemitism. Among them was Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, an NHS trauma and orthopaedics surgeon who has been arrested four times since October for alleged malicious communications and inciting racial hatred.
Dr Aladwan is currently under investigation by the General Medical Council and was suspended from practice for 15 months in November over alleged anti-Semitic and pro-terrorism remarks online. She has previously defended the AZM's Instagram post, asserting that "there is nothing unlawful about being unapologetically pro-armed resistance" and claiming this position is protected by international law.
Another scheduled speaker was Professor David Miller, who was dismissed by the University of Bristol in 2021 following complaints from Jewish students about feeling "uncomfortable and intimidated" by his remarks. Professor Miller was later found to have been unfairly dismissed at a landmark employment tribunal that ruled anti-Zionism is a legally protected characteristic.
Professor Miller was set to be joined by his Press TV colleague Latifa Abouchakra, who has previously described the October 7 attacks as a "moment of triumph."
Police Investigation and Wider Context
West Midlands Police confirmed they have "started a criminal investigation into potential offences within a social media message" used to promote the event. Officers were alerted to the post on Thursday and are working to understand the organisers' plans.
This development occurs amid ongoing controversy in Birmingham regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. In November, West Midlands Police faced significant criticism after banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match against Aston Villa. The ensuing controversy led to Chief Constable Craig Guildford's retirement, which he stated was in the best interests of the organisation and his family.
The police force has been contacted for further comment, along with representatives from the Anti-Zionist Movement, Dr Aladwan, Professor Miller, and Ms Abouchakra.
