Oxford student arrested over chants at pro-Palestinian protest

An Oxford University student who allegedly chanted “Destroy the Zios” in Gaza during a pro-Palestinian march has been arrested.

Officers investigating chants filmed at a Palestine Coalition demonstration in central London on Saturday arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, the Metropolitan Police said.

The videos show a man telling demonstrators that the hymn was made in a “workshop” in Oxford.

Oxford University said a student was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday but was not told why.

It was understood that the student was suspended by the university.

Police said the man was arrested at an address in Oxford and remains in custody.

In his videos he appears to be telling the crowd: “A determined and noble resistance in Palestine and Gaza to look at, to be inspired by, and – I don’t want to talk for long – but it’s a slogan that we workshopped in Oxford, which maybe you might want to join.”

“He says, ‘Gaza, let Gaza make us proud, destroy the Sios.'”

A university spokesman said: “A student from Oxford University was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday 15 October.

“The exact reason for the arrest has not yet been disclosed to the university.

“Whilst the University cannot comment on individual student cases, it has the power to take immediate and proportionate action where serious concerns are raised, including, where appropriate, suspending a student from membership of the University.

“The University of Oxford is clear: there is no place for hate, antisemitism or discrimination in our community and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.”