The #CAGE6
Holding coconut signs in solidarity with with Marieha Hussain
In November 2023, Marieha Hussain, a teacher and mother of 2, protested against the on-going genocide in Gaza and held a placard depicting former prime minister Rishi Sunak and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts for their complicity in the genocide.
Her picture was uploaded online within days of the protest and she was wanted by the Metropolitan Police, causing her image to be plastered all over the media. Marieha faced harassment and abuse as a result of the actions of the police.
The CAGE team showed solidarity with Marieha at her plea hearing on 26 June alongside Parents for Palestine. Marieha’s sign was reproduced with the caption: ‘FAO Police: this is satire’. The police arrested 5 members of CAGE International staff: Azad, Rabbani, Tahir, Hashim and Mussa. And went on to arrest a 6th member: Shezana for merely chanting: “coconuts, coconuts you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide”. The cases are politically motivated and an attempt to silence and censor pro-Palestine voices.
Anti-racist laws are being weaponised against the very minorities they were meant to protect and shield powerful politicians from rightful criticisms.
Marieha Hussain won her case on 13 September 2024 when the judge confirmed her sign falls under political satire. The police have since dropped all bail conditions against the CAGE6 but the CPS has yet to drop the charges.
Impact
- Held joint online event with other arrestees of Palestinian activism - Aisha and Faysal who won their cases and members of the CAGE6 and Cardiff19
- Police dropped all bail conditions against the CAGE6
Take Action
CAGE International is an independent advocacy organisation that aspires to a just world. We challenge War on Terror inspired state oppression and empower communities to dismantle the discourse and policies of the global War on Terror.
The #CAGE6
Holding coconut signs in solidarity with with Marieha Hussain
