David Lear at Kigi Cafe with owner Umit Tekin

A FILMMAKER died while covering a demonstration outside Pentonville prison on Saturday.

David Lear, who had been a passionate supporter of Palestine, suffered a medical emergency, thought to be a heart attack.

The protest was being held outside in solidarity with those who have been detained under charges related to their involvement with Palestine Action.

Six of those awaiting trial are currently on hunger strike, demanding improved jail conditions, release on bail and a lift on the ban on supporting the group.

“On his last day he came to document our protest in support of the hunger strikers who are in prison for taking direct actions to stop arming Israel,” said Yael Khan, a friend who knew Mr Lear for two decades. “His love transcended beyond the cause as he put his camera aside to express his humanity. I will always cherish this last embrace.”

She added: “David was dedicated to justice. He was a truly caring person. Inside Pentonville Prison was hunger striker Kamran Ahmed who was touched and upset about the loss of David and wanted to send his condolences to David’s family.”

Mr Lear lived near Caledonian Road and was a regular at Kigi Cafe. Owner Umit Tekin described him as “a very good man”, adding: “I’ve known him for 15 years and I was shocked when I found out. He had had a heart operation. The last day he came in here he said he wasn’t feeling well.”

The film-maker made videos for his YouTube channel, Islington Free News Media, and focussed in recent years on the issues of low traffic neighbourhood schemes and ULEZ expansion.

He had argued that independent bodies should make decisions about the success of cycle lanes and LTNs.

Councillor Ilkay Cinko-Oner, who met Mr Lear five years ago at the Kigi Cafe, said: “I was devastated when I heard, because he was genuinely a really decent honest guy. It’s a huge loss. Everyone in the bottom of Cally knew him, and they are devastated. He’s gone too soon.”

Meanwhile, leader of Islington Council Una O’Halloran said Mr Lear was “a real community champion and citizen journalist”.

She added: “He was often described as a frontline witness to many events that never made it onto broadcast TV. He supported an eclectic mix of causes and he was a passionate advocate, but he presented his arguments with unfailing courtesy and kindness.”

Islington Palestine Solidarity Campaign said in a statement: “Our love and respect go to the comrades who remained by David’s side on the busy high road, shielding him with their keffiyahs and flags to protect his dignity.

“Those closest to David have observed that he passed away engaged in the work he cared about the most – documenting and reporting on the Palestine solidarity movement, work he had been carrying out for decades.”