Counter-terror police have arrested a 22-year-old woman after a student gave a speech calling Hamas terror attacks on Israel ‘beautiful and inspiring’.

Hanin Barghouti, an elected women’s officer at the University of Sussex students’ union, was filmed addressing a protest in Brighton on Saturday organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. 

Describing herself as a Palestinian, Ms Barghouti said: ‘Yesterday was a victory. For freedom fighters to break out of a 15-year blockade so successfully under the inhuman genocide of Israel was so beautiful and inspiring to see. 

‘It shows the world that we will always fight and always resist and we need to celebrate these acts of resistance because this was a success. Revolutionary violence initiated by Palestinians is not terrorism – it is self-defence.’ 

Earlier that day Hamas terrorists had crossed the border with Israel and attacked Israeli civilians, including 260 revellers at a music festival. 

Hanin Barghouti, an elected women students’ officer at the University of Sussex students’ union, was filmed addressing a protest in Brighton on Saturday 

Ms Barghouti called Hamas terror attacks ‘inspiring’ and ‘beautiful’ 

Today, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said a 22-year-old woman from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage of the demonstration to contact them.

Superintendent Petra Lazar from Sussex Police said: ‘After reviewing footage from the protest event held in Brighton on Sunday 8 October, the matter was investigated by CTPSE. We will continue to support them as they conduct their investigation.

‘We are aware that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza is generating public concern and is impacting communities globally and locally, and we extend our support to those affected in Sussex.

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Describing herself as a Palestinian, Ms Barghouti said: ‘Yesterday was a victory. For freedom fighters to break out of a 15-year blockade so successfully under the inhuman genocide of Israel was so beautiful and inspiring to see’ 

‘Sussex Police has increased visibility across parts of Sussex to provide an increased presence and reassurance to our local communities. 

‘We recognise there is the potential for increased tensions and are engaging and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected.

‘Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police.’

The woman remains in custody, police said.

A University of Sussex spokesperson said: ‘Following comments made by a student at a demonstration in Brighton on October 8 2023, the university initiated an investigation, in line with our procedures. 

‘The university takes very seriously our obligations to support students and staff and to provide a safe and secure environment in which to work, live and study, and will continue to take action to this end.

‘This case is now a live counter-terrorism police investigation and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.’

Officers would like to speak to anyone who attended the protest, particularly those who may have footage of the protest and speech.

Anyone with helpful information has been asked to call 101, quoting reference 781 of 07/10.