ENGLAND - Authorities warned they would arrest protesters
who covered their faces during the demonstration, while an incident involving a
gender-fluid individual who converted to Islam caused confusion among officers.
Portsmouth authorities announced they would arrest any
protester wearing a balaclava during the anti-immigration protest scheduled for
Saturday, a measure aimed at preventing participants from concealing their
identity during the demonstration.
The authorities' warning heightened tensions before the
protest began, amidst a context marked by the debate on immigration and the
security measures implemented during demonstrations.
During the operation, an incident also occurred involving a
person who identifies as gender-fluid and who converted to Islam. According to
reports, a police officer was about to arrest her, but quickly backed down
after realizing there had been a misunderstanding.
The incident sparked reactions among those present and once
again brought the actions of security forces during demonstrations under
scrutiny, particularly when there are specific instructions to identify and
arrest individuals who violate established regulations.