A story has come to light involving a Muslim refugee living in the UK who sparked controversy after chanting provocative slogans at an anti-Israel protest in London.
Mohammad al-Mail, a 27-year-old Kuwaiti man who was granted asylum here in 2017, found himself in hot water but managed to avoid prosecution despite police arresting him over alleged terrorism-related chants.
The Controversial Chants at a London Protest
Back in September, at a protest in Swiss Cottage, northwest London, Mohammad shouted through a megaphone phrases like “I love the 7th of October” and “I like an organisation that starts with H.”
These chants raised eyebrows and led to his arrest on suspicion of supporting terrorism.
However, after an eight-month investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to charge him.
How He Avoided Charges with a Clever Explanation
Mohammad reportedly told police that when he mentioned “the organisation starting with H,” he wasn’t referring to the terror group Hamas but rather the Home Office, the UK government department.
This explanation apparently helped him avoid prosecution, despite his involvement with a campaign group promoting Islamic supremacy.
The Upper Hand Organization’s Radical Views
The group Mohammad leads, called the Upper Hand Organization, openly states its aim to achieve “Islamic dominance” worldwide.
Founded in Kuwait in 2016, the group was later banned there. Their website declares a revolutionary agenda rooted in Islam and calls for working across borders to further their goals.
Tensions on Both Sides at the Protest
Interestingly, at the same protest, a Jewish counter-demonstrator was also arrested for displaying a placard mocking deaths in attacks related to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Although he faced charges initially, his case was dropped.
This highlights the fraught and highly charged atmosphere surrounding these rallies.
Mohammad’s Public Statements Stir Controversy
Mohammad has not shied away from expressing his views openly.
On an Arabic-language podcast earlier this year, he downplayed the charges against him and encouraged listeners to “take advantage” of moments like October 7, referring to a deadly Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel.
He said, “If you strike, make it hurt,” further fueling concern about his intentions.
The UK Government’s Response and Calls for Action
The revelations have sparked criticism from UK officials.
Conservative MP Chris Philp voiced concern that someone granted asylum could “abuse the UK’s generosity” by promoting extremist ideas.
Former government extremism adviser Lord Walney called the case’s handling “disturbing,” urging the police to reopen the investigation to protect national security.
Mohammad’s Past and Asylum Status
Before arriving in the UK, Mohammad was convicted in absentia in Kuwait on charges including defaming the Emir and sentenced to 53 years in prison.
He claimed the charges were politically and religiously motivated, which helped him secure asylum in the UK in 2017.
He later received a partial pardon from Kuwait.
What’s Next for the Case?
The CPS is now reviewing its decision not to charge Mohammad al-Mail.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment as the case raises broader questions about asylum policy, national security, and how authorities balance free speech with preventing extremism in the UK.