Woman convicted for carrying ‘Free Palestine! Israel Burn in Hell’ placard at protest
A 21-year-old woman has been convicted of racially aggravated threatening behaviour for carrying an offensive placard at a pro-Palestine protest.
Laura Davis, 21, of Hendon Way, Barnet appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where she pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening and abusive behaviour, intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
She was fined £100 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £85.
Davis was stopped by officers in Regent Street, Westminster on the evening of October 28.
She was part of a breakaway protest group and had been seen carrying a placard which read: “Free Palestine !! Israel Burn In Hell”, on CCTV.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “We have been clear that while the right to protest lawfully must be respected, that does not extend to actions or statements that cross the line from political speech into criminality.
“While the majority of those attending protests have done so lawfully, it is regrettable that we have seen a number of people who have turned up carrying signs or chanting in a way that they should know will cause alarm or distress to others, and in particular those in our Jewish communities.
“If you are coming out to protest, please think carefully about how slogans and statements might impact others.
“We will not tolerate hate speech or abuse.
“Anyone who continues to engage in that sort of behaviour, despite the clear warnings we have provided, will face police action and could end up before the courts.”
(Picture: PxHere)
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