Trial Date Set for Mother Holding Satirical Placard Exposing Gaza Genocide Enablers

London – After a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Marieha Hussain pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a two-day trial starting on September 12, 2024. A peaceful protest in her support took place outside the court during the hearing.

Marieha’s case revolves around the freedom to support Palestine and expose those enabling the livestreamed genocide in Gaza.

Marieha Hussain issued the following statement after the hearing:

“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time out to be here today. Your support gives me strength, courage, and motivation to face the media that vilified me and fight the charges levelled against me. Thank you for making the effort to be here; I'm truly grateful. Thank you, CAGE, Parents For Palestine, and Nelson Abbey for advocating for me and being my backbone as I navigate the challenges I'm up against."

“Today I attended court and entered my plea of not guilty. I want to make my position clear: I am facing a political charge for exercising my right to free speech in a quintessentially British way—a satirical placard. Despite this, I will continue to use my voice to speak up for genocides occurring in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and against the Uighur Muslims.”

Anas Mustapha, Head of Public Advocacy at CAGE International, stated:

“The public order offence Marieha Hussain has been charged with is a fig leaf to conceal the real motive: silencing pro-Palestine voices. The Government and police are weaponising every power possible to achieve this aim.

Five CAGE International staff members were arrested for expressing solidarity with Marieha at today’s hearing. We demand their immediate release and for the case against Marieha to be dropped immediately. The Met Police should focus on arresting Zionist war criminals who travel unhindered to and from the UK.” [2]