The prominent socialist journalist was subject to homophobic chants and mobbed in central London
Footage has emerged showing Guardian journalist Owen Jones being mobbed by so-called ‘Yellow Vest’ protesters in central London following his appearance at a separate left-wing demonstration on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old posted a clip of the incident in Trafalgar Square to Twitter, claiming the gang of far-right demonstrators had “spat down his neck” and shouted “rent boy” at him, after he spoke at a People’s Assembly Against Austerity-organised rally calling for a general election.
“So, after speaking at today’s rally, I was mobbed by fascists trying to swing punches and who spat down my neck (I know right, yuck, fascist spit!),” Jones wrote on Twitter.
“Thanks to the comrades who kept them at bay. Again, not intimidated by these fash, we are going to defeat you.”
So, after speaking at today's @pplsassembly rally, I was mobbed by fascists trying to swing punches and who spat down my neck (I know right, yuck, fascist spit!) Thanks to the comrades who kept them at bay. Again, not intimidated by these fash, we are going to defeat you 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/C0MxdlIRZp
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) January 12, 2019
In the footage, police are seen intervening to separate Jones from the group of far-right activists, some of who are wearing pro-Donald Trump “Make America Great Again” caps.
In a second tweet, he added: “Earlier they were yelling “rent boy” (honestly, it’s my Twitter mentions in real life), so I had to yell them they’re not my type.”
Earlier they were yelling “rent boy” (honestly, it’s my Twitter mentions in real life), so I had to yell them they’re not my type pic.twitter.com/6zjPtnj3eK
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) January 12, 2019
On Tuesday, police confirmed that they were investigating abuse directed towards political figures by the far-right ‘Yellow Vest’ protests that have been taking place around Westminster since early December.
Scotland Yard said it was looking into whether any criminality had taken place after the extremist protesters were captured shouting “Soubry is a Nazi” during a television interview given by Conservative MP Anna Soubry on Monday, as well as verbally abusing Jones in a video he posted to Twitter.
Police said they would deal “robustly” with any harassment or abuse that “constituted a criminal offence” as part of an ongoing operation around Westminister, adding that it was their role to “facilitate peaceful protest and balance the needs and rights of all those present, including protestors, MPs and members of the public”.
Just before midday on Saturday an organiser of the ‘Yellow Vest’ protests, James Goddard, was arrested by police on suspicion of a public order offence alleged to have taken place earlier in the week.
