PALESTINIAN MAN RESIDING IN BIRMINGHAM SPARED PUNISHMENT FOR WEARING HAMAS HEADBAND!

Hi and welcome to this Birmingham and Black Country Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKSHi and welcome to this Birmingham and Black Country Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS

A Palestinian-born man from Birmingham has been spared punishment after being convicted for wearing a Hamas headband during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in LondonA Palestinian-born man from Birmingham has been spared punishment after being convicted for wearing a Hamas headband during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London.

Khaled Hajsaad, 24Khaled Hajsaad, 24, originally from Palestine and now living in Birmingham, was seen wearing the green headband at a protest held in Trafalgar Square, London, in November 2023. The headband, inscribed with the “Shahada” in white, closely resembles those worn by members of Hamas, the militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government.

During proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Hajsaad defended his actions, explaining that the Shahada, a fundamental Islamic creed, was the inscription on the headband, which he claimed to be “an item of Saudi Arabia.”

Hasjaad had previously pled not-guilty however, District Judge Nina Tempia made strong statements during his conviction after hearing from academic experts.

“Hamas is the most notable Palestinian group associated with the colour green… He was wearing the headband at the pro-Palestinian march, where there would be no reasons for someone to wear the headband of a Saudi flag”, said Judge Tampia at the trial.

“It clearly did not have the Saudi sword on it, She added, and subsequently found Hajsaad guilty.

Despite the judges strong statements during the trial, and the crime being “so soon after 7 October”, causing “significant distress”, the defendant was given a three month suspended sentence and was not ordered to pay the fines due to his lack of income being an asylum seeker.

Well, that’s all for now, but until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.Well, that’s all for now, but until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Natalie SmithNatalie Smith

Black Country News DeskBlack Country News Desk

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