Police arrest man dressed as grim reaper during Nakba Day protest in London — Sunday 17 May 2026London police detained a protester clad in a Grim Reaper costume during a Nakba Day demonstration on Saturday, drawing attention to how authorities enforced public order rules amid competing rallies in the capital. Footage shows officers invoking the Public Order Act as they moved in, even as the man repeatedly offered to remove his mask in compliance. He was pulled away while voicing surprise at the arrest after attempting to follow instructions, an episode that unfolded alongside larger gatherings marking the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. The Metropolitan Police reported 43 arrests across the day’s events, with 12 tied directly to the Nakba Day march and 20 linked to a counter-demonstration called Unite the Kingdom. Charges at the pro-Palestinian event ranged from breaching imposed conditions to refusing to uncover faces and one allegation of supporting a banned group. In contrast, the other side saw cases involving drunkenness, criminal damage and possession of a weapon, reflecting the charged atmosphere that often surrounds Middle East-related protests in British cities. Such scenes in London carry wider resonance for global audiences tracking how Western governments manage dissent over foreign policy flashpoints. The contrast between a protester’s stated willingness to cooperate and the swift resort to detention underscores ongoing debates about the limits of expressive conduct during sensitive commemorations. Observers note that these incidents can shape international views of Britain’s commitment to assembly rights, particularly when footage circulates far beyond the UK and fuels discussions on policing standards in democratic societies.Watch the full video from Middle East Eye below.