Three Women Convicted for Displaying Hamas Support at London Protest
Three south London women have been found guilty of a terrorism offence after showing Hamas-related images at a pro-Palestine protest in central London.
Hamas Paraglider Images Spark Terror Probe
Heba Alhayek, 29, and Pauline Ankunda, 26, both from south London, wore shirts with paraglider images on their backs during the demonstration on 14 October 2023. Noimutu Taiwo, 27, also from south London, displayed the same paraglider picture on a placard.
The paraglider symbol is linked to Hamas’s terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October 2023, which involved members using paragliders to launch the assault.
Guilty Verdict and Conditional Discharge
The trio were convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for displaying articles in a way that suggested support or membership of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas. This breaches Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Each woman received a 12-month conditional discharge.
“Showing support for a terror group is a criminal offence, and anyone who does this faces arrest and prosecution,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Hayley Sewart from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “The right to protest is always coupled with a responsibility for those protesting to act lawfully.”
Met Warns: Support for Terror Groups Will Not Be Tolerated
The Met is active in investigating offences linked to protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict under Operation Brocks. The case came after officers spotted the images circulating on social media.
The Met confirmed it continues to pursue suspects involved in criminal acts during recent central London protests. Authorities remain vigilant amid growing tensions.
