In an unprecedented legal move, British authorities have formally charged three pro-Palestine demonstrators for allegedly chanting the word “intifada” during a December protest. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that Abdallah Alanzi (24), Haya Adam (21), and Azza Zaki (60) face charges of using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.”
The defendants were arrested during a December 17th demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, marking the first enforcement actions since the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces announced their intention to prosecute individuals using the phrase “globalise the intifada” at protests. The controversial policy, announced in December, specifically targeted this chant and related placard displays.
Police authorities defended their position, stating: “We recognize community concerns regarding placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada.’ Those employing such language at future demonstrations or in targeted manners should anticipate intervention from our forces.”
The Metropolitan Police’s Public Order Crime team conducted a comprehensive investigation that extended beyond the specific intifada chant to examine additional verbal expressions heard during the protest. The three accused individuals will make their initial appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 23rd.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists have vigorously contested the characterization of “globalise the intifada” as antisemitic or violent incitement. Notably, British Jewish participants have been visibly active in pro-Palestine marches throughout the United Kingdom.
The term ‘intifada,’ derived from the Arabic root ‘nafada’ meaning “to shake off” or “to rise up,” has complex historical connotations. While some Arab uprisings labeled as intifadas have been predominantly peaceful, the Palestinian intifadas against Israeli occupation have incorporated both civil disobedience and armed resistance.
The charging decision follows October comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who characterized calls to “internationalise the intifada” as direct incitement against global Jewish communities. These remarks came after a fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue that claimed two Jewish worshippers’ lives.