Prominent UK Pro-Palestine Activists Found Guilty of Breaching Protest Conditions
Two leading figures in Britain's Palestine solidarity movement have been convicted of breaching protest conditions in what campaigners have labeled a "grotesque" and "shocking" decision that threatens civil liberties. Ben Jamal, 62, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), and Chris Nineham, 63, vice-chair of the Stop the War Coalition, were found guilty at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday after a trial that has sparked widespread condemnation.
The Charges and Verdict
The activists were accused of failing to comply with conditions imposed on a national pro-Palestine demonstration held on January 18, 2025. This protest was one of 34 such demonstrations organized across the UK since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Judge Sternberg ruled that the conditions were lawful and necessary, stating that both defendants clearly knew them. Jamal was additionally convicted on two counts of inciting other protesters to breach police conditions, with the judge describing his speech as "a suggestion, persuasion, and inducement" encouraging violations.
"Protest rights, while fundamental, are not absolute and do not permit breaching lawfully imposed conditions," Judge Sternberg declared in his verdict. Both Jamal and Nineham have announced they will appeal against the convictions, arguing the trial was conducted unfairly.
Police Handling and Public Reaction
The Metropolitan police have faced significant criticism for their handling of the central London protest, during which more than 70 people were arrested. Trade union leaders, legal experts, MPs, and peers have called for an independent inquiry into what they describe as "repressive and heavy-handed policing" at the January 18 demonstration. This marks a departure from previous marches, which had passed largely without incident despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Campaigners had intended for the march to start or end at BBC headquarters in Portland Place to protest the broadcaster's coverage of the war, a location used twice before without issue. The Met stated they imposed conditions due to "the cumulative impact" on Jewish Londoners, noting the march was near synagogues and alleging a coordinated effort to breach conditions.
Political Figures and Supporters Respond
The public gallery at Westminster magistrates court was packed with supporters, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as the verdict was delivered. Dozens of protesters gathered outside, cheering as Jamal and Nineham left the court. Speaking to the crowd, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who was present at the protest, called the decision "grotesque" and warned it was part of a broader assault on civil liberties.
"This is a grotesque decision today. But it is all part and parcel of trying to undermine our civil liberties," McDonnell said. "You've got to recognise that this is an assault on our civil liberties, and there's more coming down the road." Corbyn echoed these sentiments, expressing disgust at the verdict and emphasizing the defendants were merely standing up for Palestinian rights and the right to protest.
Activists Vow to Continue Protests
Nineham described the verdict as "an extraordinary and shocking decision" and "a huge setback for civil liberties in this country." He accused authorities of sending a chilling message to discourage protests, but vowed it would not stop their efforts. "It is an attempt that will not stop us," he asserted, highlighting that the refusal to allow a march near the BBC was unprecedented and dangerous.
Jamal criticized the trial's conduct, noting that six days were allocated, with four given to the prosecution and insufficient time for defense submissions. He linked the verdict to broader political issues, citing recent Israeli legislation and UK government support. "We will not be silenced," Jamal declared, emphasizing that campaigners remain focused on their cause. Despite the convictions, activists have confirmed that a protest for Palestinian rights scheduled for May 16 will proceed as planned.
