Khalid Abdalla: The Crown actor faces police interview over pro-Palestinian rally

Actor Khalid Abdalla has stated that he has been informed he needs to attend a police interview due to his participation in a pro-Palestine protest in January. Abdalla, who played Dodi Fayed in the Netflix series "The Crown," revealed on social media that he received a letter from the Metropolitan Police on Thursday. This news has sparked debate about freedom of expression.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed to the BBC that eight people have been "invited to attend a police station for a police interview" as part of an "ongoing investigation" into alleged offenses under the Public Order Act on Saturday, January 18. The police are thoroughly investigating the matter.

Abdalla posted on Instagram that it is currently unclear whether he will be charged, adding that "the right to protest is under attack in this country." Abdalla, who has also starred in "United 93," "The Kite Runner," and "The Day of the Jackal," is one of Hollywood's most outspoken actors regarding the Gaza-Israel war and has publicly called for a permanent ceasefire. He has participated in numerous pro-Palestine demonstrations, including the January 18th demonstration for which he will be interviewed by the police. Furthermore, he signed a public letter from the British Artists for Palestine organization to the BBC in February, criticizing the BBC for withdrawing a documentary about the lives of children in Gaza after discovering that its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

Abdalla is not the only public figure facing police questioning regarding the January gathering. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell have also previously been questioned by the police. The police did not reveal the identities of the two men at the time, but stated that two men, aged 75 and 73 respectively, had been "released under investigation." This indicates a broader investigation into the events of that day.

Thousands of people attended a static rally in Whitehall after police prevented a planned march from Portland Place, near the BBC headquarters. Police stated that those involved in the protest had been clearly informed that they should remain in Whitehall. However, "despite this, a large group entered Trafalgar Square from Whitehall and in some cases attempted to go further." Police stated that some individuals from the group were arrested on suspicion of related offenses, and to date, 21 people have been charged. The police actions have raised concerns about the right to protest.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organized the protest, stated: "The police’s claimed justification for their massive abuse of power is a complete distortion of what happened, not only on the day but in the lead-up to it." They added: "We demand that the Metropolitan Police cease any charges or proceedings against those who participated in what was an entirely peaceful protest." The organization is advocating for the rights of peaceful protesters.