a day ago
Water pistol attackers who sprayed Jews let off with ‘slap on wrist'
Police have been urged not to turn a blind eye to anti-Semitism after two men who targeted Orthodox Jews with water pistols were let off with a 'slap on the wrist'.
The pair, who filmed themselves driving around Greater Manchester spraying pedestrians dressed in Orthodox clothing with an unidentified liquid, were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault last week.
But Greater Manchester Police have now imposed community resolution orders – the most lenient option available – after the pair apologised for their actions.
Community resolutions, which carry no criminal record, can only be issued for hate crimes in exceptional circumstances should the offender admit the offence, the victim not wish to press charges and an inspector sign off on disposing the case.
But the leniency shown to the men, who sprayed adults and children before posting the footage to Instagram accompanied by the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila, has provoked outrage.
'Public humiliation for profit'
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, urged police to look at the case again and take 'the most robust action'.
He said: 'Spraying members of the Jewish community with water pistols while jeering from the safety of a car is cowardice. It is public humiliation for profit, fuelling online hate, and encourages others to join in.
'This is happening against the backdrop of over 1,500 anti-Semitic incidents in just the first half of this year, one of the highest totals ever recorded. Jewish communities are being harassed, spat at, and attacked, and now filmed. This is not something Britain can turn a blind eye to.
'The police should look again at this case and take the most robust action where possible. We cannot allow a Britain where Jewish families feel unsafe on their own streets simply because of their faith.'
