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Brighton activist goes on trial accused of Hamas support - UK Daily: Tech, Science, Business & Lifestyle News Updates



Hanin Barghouthi, 24, praised the atrocity during a rally in Brighton on October 8, 2023, a court heard.

Her speech was in praise of Hamas – a prescribed organisation – Michael Bisgrove, prosecuting, told Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on Monday.

Speaking in support and encouraging others to support a prescribed organisation is an offence, he said.

At the start of a 45-minute video of the Brighton rally, a speaker details the level of Hamas involvement and casualty numbers.

In the recording, played in full to the jury, Barghouthi told the crowd gathered around the Clock Tower in Brighton: “My name is Hanin, I’m Palestinian.

“Yesterday was a victory.

“As a Palestinian, yesterday was a victory.

“It was so beautiful and inspiring to see.

“It shows us and the world that we will always fight and always resist and we need to celebrate these acts of resistance.

“This is not a Muslim issue, this is not an Arab, this is not a Palestinian issue.

“This is a human rights issue.”

Barghouthi finishes her speech by leading the crowd in chanting ‘Free, free Palestine’.

The jury heard Barghouthi will say she did not know the attack was carried out by Hamas and could not have made a speech in praise of the terrorist organisation.

Mr Bisgrove told the court police downloaded her phone after she was arrested.

Messages sent from her phone included reference to news stories about the October 7 attacks.

In conversations with two friends, the messages said: “I don’t know if you guys have been keeping an eye on the news. It means the consequences from Israel will be fucking brutal but for now this is a celebration. Amazing day for Palestine liberation. Celebrate now.”

Police analysed news alerts sent to Barghouthi’s phone.

They included newsflashes identifying Hamas as claiming responsibility for the attacks.

A printed news report mentioning Hamas as being responsible was found at Barghouthi’s home in Brighton when she was arrested on October 12.

Analysis of her phone showed searches for ‘how long since 1948’ and notes on what became her October 8 speech.

Miss Barghouthi, who was women’s officer at the University of Sussex student union, denies making a speech in support of a prescribed organisation on October 8.

She is defended by Mike Mansfield KC.

His Honour Judge Peter Lodder KC told the jury: “Emotion has no part to play in a criminal trial.

“Since October 7, 2023, there has been extensive political and media focus on events in the Middle East but this case is not concerned with politics.

“It is solely concerned with whether or not this defendant has acted contrary to our domestic law.”

Barghouthi was arrested after a video of the speech was posted online.

She gave a no comment interview on October 12.

Mr Bisgrove said: “If you are sure her speech supported Hamas and she encouraged others to support Hamas, then your verdict will be guilty.”

Barghouthi denies making a speech which would encourage support for a prescribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The trial at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court continues.





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