Oxford Student Arrested After ‘Put the Zios in the Ground’ Chant Sparks Campus War Over Hate Speech and Free Speech
An Oxford University student has been arrested and suspended after leading a chant urging demonstrators to “put the Zios in the ground” at a pro-Palestine rally — an incident that has ignited a fierce national debate over hate speech, antisemitism, and the limits of free expression in British universities.
Samuel Williams, 20, a philosophy, politics and economics student at Balliol College, was detained by Metropolitan Police officers in Oxfordshire on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after footage of his speech spread widely online. The video was recorded during a Palestine Coalition protest in central London on October 11, the day after a ceasefire was declared in Gaza.
Police confirmed that the student remains in custody as inquiries continue.
A spokesperson said: “A 20-year-old man was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire on suspicion of inciting racial hatred. He remains in police custody.”
This is the moment an Oxford student chants to 'put the Zios in the ground' during a pro-gaza march
What Does ‘Inciting Racial Hatred’ Mean?
Under the UK Public Order Act 1986, inciting racial hatred is a criminal offence.
It refers to using words, behaviour, or written material that encourage hatred or hostility towards people because of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
In plain English: if a chant or statement could make people hate or harm others based on who they are, it can be considered hate speech.
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University Response and National Reaction
Oxford University confirmed that Williams has been suspended pending investigation.
“The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred,” a university spokesperson said. “Freedom of speech does not extend to language that incites harm. Oxford is unequivocal — there is no place for antisemitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the case “deeply concerning,” saying there has been “an unacceptable rise in antisemitism on UK campuses.”
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) welcomed Oxford’s swift action, saying: “Jewish students should never have to stand by as their peers glorify terrorism or incite hatred. Universities must end the culture of impunity that has allowed antisemitism to go unchecked.”
The Chant That Sparked the Outrage
Footage from the rally shows Williams leading the crowd in a chant he claimed was “workshopped in Oxford.” He can be heard saying:
“It goes: Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground.”
The word “Zio,” derived from “Zionist,” is widely regarded as an antisemitic slur used to target Jewish people under the pretext of criticizing Israel. Jewish groups have condemned its use as an attempt to dehumanize Jewish communities and to glorify violence.
From School Star to Campus Activist
Before his time at Oxford, Williams attended Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Former classmates describe him as intelligent and outspoken.
Since arriving at Oxford, he has become a visible figure in pro-Palestine activism, often photographed wearing a red-and-white keffiyeh and participating in campus protests. Social media posts show him outside the Oxford Natural History Museum as part of student encampments calling on the university to cut ties with Israeli-linked companies.
Campus Climate Fallout
Williams’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the Oxford community.
Some students see it as a necessary stand against hate, while others argue it represents a crackdown on free speech under government pressure.
One pro-Palestine student told a campus newspaper: “It feels like we’re being silenced for demanding justice. The chant was taken out of context.”
But Jewish students say the atmosphere has become increasingly hostile.
“It’s not about politics—it’s about safety,” one undergraduate said. “When you hear words like that shouted at a protest, you stop feeling safe walking through your own campus.”
The case has quickly become a flashpoint in the broader culture war over free speech and antisemitism in UK universities, with politicians, activists, and alumni weighing in online.
Legal Context and Next Steps
Legal observers note that courts in the UK assess both the intent and context behind alleged hate speech. If prosecutors believe Williams’s chant was designed to stir up racial hatred, he could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Meanwhile, Oxford University’s internal disciplinary process could result in expulsion or permanent exclusion.
Officials at the Department for Education have contacted Oxford to reiterate their policy of zero tolerance toward antisemitism, urging universities to protect Jewish students and enforce disciplinary codes consistently.
Why This Case Matters
The incident has fueled a wider debate about how universities balance freedom of expression with community safety, particularly amid the ongoing Israel–Gaza tensions.
Online discussions about “Oxford student arrested,” “hate speech UK law,” and “Zio meaning” have surged, showing strong public engagement with the case.
The outcome could set a new precedent for how far student activism can go before crossing into criminal incitement — and may shape how Britain’s universities handle politically charged speech for years to come.
People Also Ask
What is hate speech under UK law?
Hate speech is any spoken, written, or online communication intended — or likely — to stir up hatred against people based on race, religion, or ethnicity. It is a criminal offence under the Public Order Act 1986.
What does ‘Zio’ mean?
“Zio” is a shortened form of “Zionist” that is widely recognized as an antisemitic slur. It is often used by extremists to target Jewish individuals or groups.
Can you be arrested for chanting at a protest in the UK?
Yes. If the chant or slogan is deemed to incite violence or racial hatred, police can arrest individuals under hate crime legislation.
What punishment could Samuel Williams face?
If charged and found guilty of inciting racial hatred, he could face fines or imprisonment of up to seven years.
