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Imbert attacks DPP for failure to clamp down on anti-Semitic material

01 January 1991

Imbert attacks DPP for failure to clamp down on anti-Semitic material
artdoc May=1991

In a speech to the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen, Scotland Yard
Commissioner Sir Peter Imbert said that he was distressed by the
government's reluctance to clamp down on those who have been
disseminating anti-Semitic pamphlets in London. Sir Peter Imbert also
noted that in the 19 cases of racial harassment and violence reported
and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, none of the
defendants had been prosecuted.
Although the Commissioner implied that it was not for him to
criticise the decision of the DPP not to prosecute, he added that his
officers were concerned about the recent attacks on Jewish graves and
property. He also commented on the establishment of `vigilante patrols'
within the Jewish community. `It is understandably frustrating for both
the Jewish community and police officers when investigations into these
distressing and obnoxious events do not reach the courts', he said.
Responding to Imbert's comments, a spokesman for the DPP said:
`Both the DPP and the Attorney General share the Commissioner's concern
about the distribution of anti-Semitic leaflets, and these cases are
considered very carefully'. (Mail on Sunday 23.9.90)

IRR Police-Media Bulletin, no 65. Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke
Street, London WC1X 9HS