A University of Oxford student filmed allegedly chanting for Gaza to “put the Zios in the ground” at a pro-Palestinian march has been arrested.
Officers investigating chants at a Palestine Coalition demonstration in central London arrested a 20-year-old-man on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, the Metropolitan Police said.
Videos appeared to show a man, who has been widely named as Samuel Williams, telling demonstrators that the chant had been “workshopped” in Oxford.
The University of Oxford said a student had been arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, but said it had not been told why.
It is understood the student has been suspended by the university.
The man was arrested at an address in Oxford, police said, and remains in custody. The force did not name the man.
In videos he appears to tell the crowd: “A steadfast and noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by and – I don’t want to yap for too long – but a chant that we’ve been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in.
“It goes ‘Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground’.”
A university spokesperson said: “An Oxford University student was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 October.
“The precise basis for the arrest has not yet been disclosed to the university.
“While the university cannot comment on individual student cases, it has the power to take immediate and proportionate action including, as appropriate, suspending a student from membership of the University, whenever serious concerns are raised.
“Oxford University is unequivocal: there is no place for hatred, antisemitism or discrimination within our community, and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.”
Last week, the prime minister said the government could consider pursuing more curbs on protest laws, including targeting some of the chants used at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
