Woman, 22, is arrested by counter terror police after student at University of Sussex gave speech calling the Hamas attacks on Israel ‘beautiful and inspiring’

Anti-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 demonstration in Brighton on Saturday organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Describing herself as a Palestinian, Ms Barghouti said: ‘Yesterday was a victory. For freedom fighters to successfully break out of a 15 year blockade 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 should celebrate these acts of resistance because it was a success. Revolutionary violence initiated by Palestinians is not terrorism – it is self-defense.’

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

Hanin Barghouti, an elected women’s student officer at the University of Sussex Students’ Union, was filmed addressing a protest in Brighton on Saturday.

Ms Barghouti calls 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 banned organisation.

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

Superintendent Petra Lazar of Sussex Police said: ‘After reviewing the footage of 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 causing public concern and affecting communities globally and locally, and we are extending our support to those affected in Sussex.

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

‘Sussex Police have increased visibility across parts of Sussex to provide a greater presence and reassurance to our local communities.

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

‘Anyone experiencing threatening behavior or concerned for their safety is urged to contact the police.’

The woman remains in custody, police said.