Protesters Admit to Attaching Hamas Paraglider Images After Initially Blaming Strangers
The trial of two female protesters, Heba Alhayek and Pauline Ankunda, accused of displaying images celebrating Hamas during a demonstration in London, took an unexpected turn.
Initially claiming that strangers had taped the images of paragliders to their backs, the protesters later confessed to attaching the images themselves.
The court proceedings shed light on the controversy surrounding their alleged support for Hamas, a banned terror organization in the UK.
Background and Alleged Offense:
Heba Alhayek, 29, and Pauline Ankunda, 26, along with co-defendant Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, face charges under the Terrorism Act for carrying or displaying articles that arouse reasonable suspicion of supporting Hamas.
The images, displayed on October 14, depicted paragliders, and the prosecutors argue that this act could be interpreted as celebrating the use of paragliders as a tactic, particularly in light of recent militant activities.
Social Media Condemnation and Police Appeal:
The trio’s display of the images garnered widespread condemnation after footage from the demonstration circulated on social media.
Following a Metropolitan Police appeal on social media to identify the protesters, Alhayek and Ankunda voluntarily turned themselves in to Croydon Police Station.
The court learned that the defendants admitted fixing the images to their backs during police interviews.
Prosecution’s Argument:
Prosecutor Brett Weaver argued that the act of displaying the images could be perceived as endorsing the paraglider tactic used by Hamas militants.
He emphasized that the images were visible for a significant period, suggesting a deliberate effort to convey support.
The defendants face charges related to carrying or displaying items associated with a banned terrorist organization.
Defendants’ Statements and Denials:
During arrest and subsequent interviews, Alhayek and Ankunda admitted to fixing the images themselves but claimed they did not view them as supportive of Hamas.
Taiwo, on the other hand, maintained that she had not paid proper attention to the blurry image on the placard she held, believing it to be a symbol of liberation and peace.
All three defendants deny wearing or carrying articles supporting a proscribed terrorist organization.
Conclusion and Trial Continuation:
The trial continues as the defendants face charges under the Terrorism Act, with the court examining the evidence, statements, and the overall context of the protesters’ actions.
The legal proceedings aim to determine whether the display of the paraglider images constitutes support for a banned terrorist organization.
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