Retired UK Officer Sues Kent Police for Wrongful Arrest Over Antisemitism Warning Post in November 2023, Backed by Free Speech Union

25 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 13, 2025, 11:02 PM

Julian Foulkes, a 71-year-old retired special constable from Gillingham, Kent, was arrested at his home by six officers from Kent Police in November 2023. The arrest followed a social media post where Foulkes warned about the rising threat of antisemitism in the UK, specifically responding to a pro-Palestinian activist's post on X. He was detained for eight hours and issued a caution, which Kent Police later admitted was a mistake and subsequently removed from his record.

Foulkes is now pursuing legal action against Kent Police for wrongful arrest and detention, with the Free Speech Union funding his lawsuit. The controversy arose after police searched his home and commented on his personal belongings, including books on his shelf described as 'very Brexity things.'

Kent Police have apologized to Foulkes for the distress caused and the manner in which the investigation was conducted. The force is conducting a further review to identify any learning opportunities. The ordeal has left Foulkes with post-traumatic stress symptoms, and he expressed fears that the caution might have impacted his ability to visit his daughter in Australia.

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Sources

foxnews.com(2)telegraph.co.uk(2)bbc.co.uk qudsnen.co

BBC Kent

@BBCRadioKent

A retired special constable was arrested and handcuffed in an "unacceptable ordeal" after a post on X, according to Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner. Tap below to read more: https://t.co/M9Xttm6keZ

Haaretz.com

@haaretzcom

Israel plans to deport a British activist accused of criticizing IDF soldiers online, though she says she was never questioned about the posts https://t.co/hipu1fczcT

Quds News Network

@QudsNen

A Norwegian hotel has refused to accommodate an Israeli settler tourist, citing a nationwide boycott against Israel launched last week by the country’s powerful trade union, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), over Israel’s genocide in Gaza. https://t.co/uKeQCiHOhZ