UK Convicts Jamal and Nineham in Pro-Palestine Protest Case

Jamal and Nineham were convicted for breaching police conditions during a pro-Palestine demonstration.

“Pro-Palestine campaigners have condemned the conviction of two leading activists – Chris Nineham and Ben Jamal – as “extraordinary and shocking” and “a huge setback for civil liberties,” warning the decision could have far-reaching consequences for protest rights”

5Pillars

The Metropolitan Police had imposed restrictions blocking the march from gathering near a central London synagogue.

5Pillars

Jamal was also convicted of inciting other protesters to breach police conditions.

They received conditional discharges and were ordered to pay prosecution costs.

Jamal made a speech explaining a delegation would walk towards the BBC to lay flowers.

The march moved to the BBC despite police restrictions.

Al Jazeera

The judge ruled Jamal's speech constituted incitement.

Organisers denied the police claim of forcing their way through a cordon.

Critics described the convictions as a chilling measure against pro-Palestine activism.

“Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and Chris Nineham, vice chair of Stop the War Coalition, were both found guilty today of breaching the Public Order Act 1986”

Jewish Voice for Liberation

Jeremy Corbyn said the protest had been entirely peaceful.

The trial revealed the close relationship between the police and Zionist groups.

The Metropolitan Police acted in consultation with pro-Israel groups including the Jewish Leadership Council.

The police canceled a march planned to start outside the BBC, near the Central Synagogue.

Left Foot Forward

The decision was seen by critics as catering to pressure from Zionist lobby groups.