THE Metropolitan Police waged a direct assault on freedom of assembly at Saturday’s national demonstration for Palestine — then spun a misleading narrative to justify its repressive actions, organisers warned today.

Officers embarked on a harsh crackdown at the London rally, arresting 77 protesters — the highest number seen in over 20 pro-Gaza demonstrations.

Vice-chair of Stop the War Chris Nineham, chief steward of the rally, was among those violently arrested at the protest already marred by police disruption.