Philosophy Student Taken Into Custody on Suspicion of Inciting Racial Hatred
An Oxford University student who led controversial chants at a pro-Palestine demonstration has been arrested by police and suspended from his studies.
Samuel Williams, 20, was taken into custody by Metropolitan Police on Wednesday following his identification by the Daily Mail as the individual leading chants of “put the Zios in the ground” at a Palestine Coalition protest on Saturday, October 11.
Arrest Follows Investigation into Offensive Chants
The philosophy, politics and economics student at Balliol College was arrested at a property in Oxfordshire on suspicion of inciting racial hatred. Scotland Yard launched its investigation after footage of the demonstration circulated widely.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed: “A 20-year-old man was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire on Wednesday, October 15 on suspicion of inciting racial hatred. He remains in police custody.”
What Was Said at the Protest
The chants were filmed the day after a ceasefire came into effect in Gaza. Speaking through a microphone at the march, Mr Williams addressed the crowd: “A steadfast and noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by and – I don’t want to yap for too long – but a chant that we’ve been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in.
“It goes ‘Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground’.”
The term “Zio” is considered an offensive reference to Zionists, with many interpreting the chant as calling for violence against Jewish people.
Ministers Contact Oxford University
Government ministers have made contact with Oxford University following the incident, reiterating calls for zero tolerance of anti-Semitism on campus.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said last week there had been an “unacceptable increase in anti-Semitism” at universities, adding that many Jewish students did not feel safe on campus. She called on universities to strengthen protections for Jewish students and announced government funding for training to help staff and students “tackle this poison of anti-Semitism.”
Oxford University Condemns Language “In Strongest Possible Terms”
A spokesman for Oxford University issued a strong statement: “The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred.
“The university’s support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements, including such language. When such language is reported, we will always want to speak to the student concerned and consider the matter under our disciplinary procedures.
“Oxford is unequivocal – there is no place for anti-Semitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community. We remain firmly committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all our students and staff.”
Jewish Student Groups Welcome Swift Action
The Union of Jewish Students praised the decisive response: “The Union of Jewish Students welcomes the news that decisive action has been taken against a University of Oxford student who called to ‘put the Zios in the ground’. Jewish students should never have to stand by as their peers glorify terrorism or incite hatred.
“Universities around the country should take note of this swift action. Institutions must end the culture of impunity that has allowed antisemitism to go unchecked on campus.”
Background: A Student Activist Dedicated to Pro-Palestine Causes
Mr Williams, whose family home is in a middle-class area of Tunbridge Wells, is described as a veteran pro-Palestine protester. Before attending Oxford, he was a student at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells.
His social media presence shows regular involvement in pro-Palestine activism, including participation in the controversial Oxford University student encampments outside the Natural History Museum, where students protested against the university’s alleged complicity in Israel’s war against Hamas.
One social media post captioned “f*** your exams 2024, anti-colonial action” featured images of Mr Williams participating in pro-Palestine protests.
Other footage from Saturday’s rally showed Mr Williams near the front of protesters holding signs with messages including “Oxford University pick a side, justice or genocide.”
