Owen Jones has claimed he was beaten up in a “blatant premeditated assault” as he celebrated his birthday, suffering injuries to his head and back
In a post on
Twitter, the journalist said he was with friends when they were attacked as they left a pub in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He wrote: “Six of us left the pub at 3am and were saying our goodbyes 30 metres away, then a group of 3-4 men left the pub, made a beeline for me, kicked me in the back, threw me on the ground, slamming my head, and kicked me in the skull.
“My friends were punched trying to defend me.”This is a bit dramatic, so firstly I’m fine, but last night - when I was celebrating my birthday - I was attacked, along with my friends, in a blatant premeditated assault.— Owen Jones🌹 (@OwenJones84) August 17, 2019Six of us left the pub at 3am and were saying our goodbyes 30 metres away, then a group of 3-4 men left the pub, made a beeline for me, kicked me in the back, threw me on the ground, slamming my head, and kicked me in the skull. My friends were punched trying to defend me.— Owen Jones🌹 (@OwenJones84) August 17, 2019Jones added: “Given the far right attacks I’ve had in the streets, and generally escalating far right threats I’ve had, I’m in no doubt as to what this is.”The group then scarpered: I don’t know if they said anything in the melee. I’m fine other than a big bump on my head and a cut back.Given the far right attacks I’ve had in the streets, and generally escalating far right threats I’ve had, I’m in no doubt as to what this is.— Owen Jones🌹 (@OwenJones84) August 17, 2019Oh and thanks to my friends, who were assaulted defending me and who I love very much ❤️— Owen Jones🌹 (@OwenJones84) August 17, 2019In January, Jones was subjected to homophobic abuse as he spoke at an anti-austerity demonstration.
The Guardian columnist re-tweeted a video which showed several people shouting “homo” towards him during the event in central London.
Jones added that he was branded a “rent boy” by other activists, who appeared to be mounting a counter-demo to the “Britain is Broken” event, partly organised by the People’s Assembly group.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, 2019Jones said that in addition to the verbal abuse, those involved attempted to punch and spit at him.
“So, after speaking at today’s [People’s Assembly] rally, I was mobbed by fascists trying to swing punches and who spat down my neck (I know right, yuck, fascist spit!),” he wrote on Twitter.
In a statement emailed to HuffPost
UK, the Met Police confirmed they were looking into the incident and no arrests have yet been made.Related... Everything We Know So Far About The Death Of PC Andrew Harper Owen Jones Subjected To Homophobic Abuse During 'Yellow Vest' Anti-Cuts March