Birmingham jury fails to convict pro-Palestine activist accused of supporting Hamas

AI Summary

A jury in Birmingham was unable to reach a verdict in the trial of a pro-Palestine activist accused of supporting Hamas, prompting a retrial. The case highlights ongoing debates around activism, terrorism, and the legal system's handling of such matters in the UK.

Birmingham jury fails to convict pro-Palestine activist accused of supporting Hamas A jury was unable to convict a Palestinian activist who stands accused of supporting terrorism and encouraging support for a proscribed organisation - prompting a retrial. Majid Freeman, also known as Majid Novsarka, from Leicester, appeared before Birmingham Crown Court on charges related to posts he made on X and Instagram in 2023 and 2024 for a two-week trial. The activist faced charges of deliberately encouraging terrorism and openly supporting Hamas - claims the 38-year-old denied. But after more than 13 and a half hours of deliberation, jurors told the court they could not reach a majority decision on any of the charges. Outside the court, Freeman said he welcomed the "opportunity of a retrial, because it means the evidence of what Israel has done to Gaza...will once again be placed before a jury of the British public". Read more: Birmingham jury fails to convict pro-Palestine activist accused of supporting Hamas