The official human rights watchdog in the United Kingdom sent a message to ministers and the police expressing concern over the potential for an “excessive” approach to protests regarding Gaza, urging clearer guidance for officers in law enforcement.

In a letter to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, and Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the Equality and Human Rights Commission stated that the belief that peaceful protests might attract disproportionate police attention “undermines confidence in the protection of our human rights.”

Kishore Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, wrote that any protest policing must be proportionate and based on clear legal standards.

The letter raised concerns about “reports of police handling individuals participating in forms of protest not linked to any banned organization.”

As an example, it cited the case of Laura Morton, first revealed by The Guardian. Kent Police threatened to arrest her under the Terrorism Act for carrying a Palestinian flag and holding signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide.”

Morton recorded the police telling her that even these public statements “all fall under the umbrella of banned groups, which are terrorist organizations dictated by the government.”

During the discussion, an officer said the phrase “Free Gaza” “supports the Palestine Action movement,” and that it is illegal “to express an opinion or belief supporting a banned organization,” and that she committed this offense with her signs.

Falkner wrote: “While we acknowledge the police’s expertise in assessing security risks, we emphasize that any interference with protest rights must be lawful and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Excessive police practices or blanket approaches risk creating a chilling effect, deterring citizens from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly due to fear of potential consequences.”

He added, “This concern extends beyond those directly affected by police intervention to the broader safety of our democracy, as the belief that peaceful protest might attract disproportionate police attention undermines confidence in our human rights protection.”

Falkner urged ministers and police to ensure all officers receive “clear and consistent guidance on their human rights obligations regarding protest,” which would “ensure the proper balance between public safety and the protection of fundamental human rights.”

Morton told The Guardian last week that her lawyers had sent a letter of claim to the Kent Police Commissioner on her behalf, which was also said to be a step to remind other police forces of their responsibilities towards peaceful protests.