News / Palestine
Palestine campaigner found not guilty of expressing terrorist beliefs
A jury has settled on a unanimous not guilty verdict for a Palestine solidarity campaigner.
Kwabena Devonish, who was arrested following a speech she gave at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Cardiff in November 2023, was charged with expressing an opinion or belief supportive of a proscribed organisation, specifically Hamas.
The campaigner was cleared of all charges in a trial at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.
The case saw supporters gathering outside Bristol Crown Court – photo: Rob Browne
In response to the verdict, Devonish said: “This is a massive win for myself and for my friends and family but also for the wider Palestine movement.
“The ruling today shows that it is important we continue to speak out against the atrocities in Gaza, but also speak out against Israel and UK’s complicity in the genocide”.
During the trial, the prosecution played a video of Devonish’s speech in 2023, in which she was shown to say: “I would never condemn the resistance of Palestinians because their resistance is due to occupation.
Supporters view the verdict as a “massive win” – photo: @tasneem.films
“I am sick of being told to condemn Hamas, when Hamas are fighting for freedom.”
Prosecutors argued that this speech constituted support for a proscribed terrorist group and intended to “glorify” the actions of Hamas.
When asked if she supported the organisation, Devonish told the court: “Not personally, no.
“Hamas is the most well-known representation of Palestinian resistance.
“That’s not to say I’m supportive of Hamas as an entity, I was merely referring to the most popular understanding of Palestinian resistance.
“I don’t support Hamas. I support the liberation of the Palestinian people.”
Devonish’s barrister, Kate O’Raghallaigh, said the jury’s decision was a “vindication” for the activist.
“The outcome of this case is welcome confirmation that her speech at a demonstration – which took place nearly two and a half years ago – was within the limits of her right to free speech in support of the rights of Palestinians”.
Main photo: @tasneem.films
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