Police personnel in UK face criticism over going tough on Palestine supporters

More than 300 people have contacted the BBC with allegations of racism, corruption and bullying of victims by police after a Panorama undercover investigation.

The secret filming over seven months revealed evidence of racism, misogyny and officers revelling in the use of force at one of London's busiest police stations. One of the main themes among the hundreds of people getting in touch was misogyny when they reported domestic abuse and sexual violence - with some saying reporting their rape to police "was like being raped again".

In response to the latest allegations, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said it was "working hard to build a culture based on integrity and trust" and improving vetting and misconduct procedures.

We have spoken to many of the women who contacted us with stories of mistreatment, whose experiences span police forces across England - from rural counties to big cities. We have changed their names to protect their identities.

A police officer allegedly told Joanna to "grow a pair" when she reported being punched in the face by her partner several months ago, she told us.
Her partner had been drinking excessively when he returned home and angrily attacked her, she says. She found herself at the local police station in tears.

"I was devastated and the police made it 10 times worse. My face had a bruise from the punch and one of the officers looked at me as if I was exaggerating the whole thing," she said.

"He told me to grow a pair... followed by a chuckle. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It took so much to go there in the first place and then I wished I hadn't."

One woman was motivated to get in touch with the BBC by a scene Panorama filmed of a Metropolitan Police officer being dismissive of a pregnant woman's allegations of rape and domestic violence. The officer said of her account to a colleague: "That's what she says."

Palestine Action is a British pro-Palestinian direct action network. Founded in 2020 with the stated goal of ending global participation in Israel's "genocidal and apartheid regime", the organization also became active in the Gaza war protests in the United Kingdom, in the wake of the ongoing Gaza genocide. Pro-Palestine Action activists have threatened to go on hunger strike on the anniversary of the Balfour declaration in protest at being held in prison while awaiting trial.

Prisoners for Palestine have said an undisclosed number of inmates will begin an open-ended hunger strike on 2 November if their demands are not met.