Three women found guilty of terrorism offence

Three women have been found guilty of a terrorism offence, after displaying images supporting Hamas at a pro-Palestine demonstration.

Heba Alhayek and Pauline Ankunda of south London, displayed paraglider imagery on the backs of their shirts during a protest in central London on 14 October 2023.

Noimutu Taiwo also of south London stuck a paraglider picture to a placard she was carrying at the protest.

The paraglider image is recognised as a symbol of Hamas after the terrorist group used paragliders during the 7 October attack.

All three were found guilty of displaying an article in such a way or such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that they were either members or supporters of a Proscribed Organisation, namely Hamas (contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000) following a two-day trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

They have been sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.

Detective Chief Superintendent Hayley Sewart, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The images that circulated on social media of these women caused widespread outrage.

“This was a unique case examined in detail by a senior judge, and the case built by officers has led to guilty verdicts.

“In the context of the pro-Palestine protests we have seen in London, we have always been clear that showing support for a terror group is a criminal offence, and anyone who does this faces arrest and prosecution.

“The right to protest is always coupled with a responsibility for those protesting to act lawfully. The Met will pursue anyone suspected of committing criminal offences at protests.”

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay