A coalition of British civil society organisations has criticised the conviction of two pro-Palestine activists, warning of an “authoritarian” approach to protest rights in the United Kingdom. The groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a joint statement on Friday.
The activists, Ben Jamal and Chris Nineham, were found guilty earlier in April of breaching police conditions during a demonstration in London in January 2025.
According to the groups, the convictions could have a wider impact on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, describing the case as a sign of expanding police powers. Both men were sentenced to conditional discharges and ordered to pay £7,500 each in prosecution costs, and have filed appeals.
Also Read: NDLEA arrests 77,792 drug offenders in five years, secures 14,225 convictions
The case comes amid increased scrutiny of the UK’s handling of pro-Palestine protests, with rights organisations warning that such actions may deter lawful public demonstrations.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.