Pro-Palestine protesters descended on a London arts centre this afternoon after allegations it was holding an event in support of Israel with campaigners believing the Israeli president was in attendance.
Officials at the Royal Society of Arts told the Express the event had been booked by an “external client” who did not disclose the full details before holding it.
Tens of protesters could be seen outside the building with literature being handed out appearing to allege that Israeli president Isaac Herzog was at the meeting.
It is believed that he was not present but sent a video message to the event where Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely was in attendance, according to Sky News.
A spokeswoman for the RSA told the Express: “The RSA neither condones nor endorses this event.
“We are an apolitical organisation and have launched an internal investigation.
“We apologise extensively to anyone affected and upset by this today and will ensure that robust measures are put in place in the future to ensure this will not happen again.”
Reports have suggested RSA members of staff had walked out in protest at the event. The RSA added that any police actions were independent of the society.
The Metropolitan Police has said that officers remain on the scene after it was called to the RSA’s building in John Adam Street at 1.30pm this afternoon.
One man not believed to be part of the group protesting was arrested for a public order offence after being asked to leave the building by security.
Officers also imposed restrictions on the protesters outside the society’s building, moving them away from the entrance within ten minutes of arrival.
A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers arrived quickly on scene to a demonstration being held outside the Royal Society of Arts in John Adam Street, WC2. We imposed conditions on the group at 1.28pm, and they moved away from the property by 1.38pm. Officers remain on scene.
“One man, not believed to be part of the protest, was arrested for section five of the public order act having been asked to leave the event at the property by security.”
