ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 2, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 2, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• ZeroFox Intelligence February 2024 Geopolitical Brief
• Scotland Yard Launches Manhunt to Locate Suspect Behind Corrosive Substance Attack in Clapham
• Clashes Erupt at Protest Against Education Reform in Greece

ZeroFox Intelligence February 2024 Geopolitical Brief

In this monthly brief, ZeroFox researchers discuss how farmer protests in Europe are spreading and are likely to remain politically relevant until at least the June 2024 EU-wide elections. In the Middle East, a U.S. military response against Iranian interests is highly likely, while a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears probable. There are a number of notable elections in February, with the biggest in Indonesia likely to go to a run-off, while the prospect of social unrest related to the Pakistani elections is extremely high. Two new measures should concern financial services firms with operations in China, including a corruption crackdown on the finance sector and a new national security law in Hong Kong with an emphasis on dissent and foreign influence.

Scotland Yard Launches Manhunt to Locate Suspect Behind Corrosive Substance Attack in Clapham

A suspected chemical attacker is on the run after throwing a corrosive substance at a woman and her child, leaving the victims with possibly life-changing injuries. Officers have released a CCTV image of the suspect’s last known sighting, highlighting that the right side of their face is maimed for easy identification. The Metropolitan police have labeled them dangerous and unapproachable while urging witnesses to come forward with information regarding their whereabouts.

Clashes Erupt at Protest Against Education Reform in Greece

On February 1, 2024, Greek police clashed briefly with masked protesters outside parliament during demonstrations protesting plans to allow foreign private universities to operate in the country. Thousands of students and other demonstrators marched peacefully through central Athens, some holding banners reading "No to the privatization of public education!" A group broke away and clashed with police after the majority of them had passed through parliament. According to a police official, officers were attacked, and tear gas was used in response. The conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed an education reform bill that would allow establishments to operate as branches of foreign universities. Critics argue that the move will devalue degrees earned at Greece's public universities and further reduce state funding for public education. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill this month.