- Three avoid jail for images
- Charged under Terrorism Act
- Judge grants conditional discharge
Following a social media appeal, the Metropolitan Police located three individuals who were subsequently charged under the Terrorism Act for displaying paraglider images during a pro-Palestinian march, avoiding imprisonment after their convictions for demonstrating support for a terrorist organisation.
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram “decided not to impose punishment” on Heba Alhayek, 29, Pauline Ankunda, 26, and Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, granting them 12-month conditional discharges.
The trio appeared in court after their images, taken at the October demonstration, were widely shared on social media, drawing extensive condemnation. The demonstration occurred a week after Hamas militants entered Israel via paragliders, resulting in attacks that killed over a thousand Israelis.
It was alleged that Alhayek and Ankunda had paraglider images attached to their clothing, while the third defendant allegedly attached one to a placard’s handle.
According to court testimony, Alhayek and Ankunda voluntarily presented themselves at Croydon Police Station. This was following the Metropolitan Police’s social media appeal to locate them.
Each was charged with carrying or displaying an object to raise suspicion of Hamas sponsorship under the Terrorism Act.
Interpretation Clash in Terrorism Case
Prosecutor Brett Weaver argued in court that displaying these images could be seen as endorsing the paraglider tactic. However, Mark Summers KC, representing Alhayek and Ankunda, argued that the police had misinterpreted what they saw, influenced by a biased social media narrative, claiming they were displaying a “cartoon parachute” as a “symbol of peace.”
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Judge Ikram found insufficient evidence to suggest the group supported Hamas. He acknowledged the timing of their display. It closely followed Hamas’s use of paragliders in Israel, leading a reasonable person to associate the images with those events. Yet, he noted, “It is conceivable that you crossed a line. But it is also reasonable to believe that strong feelings were involved in this issue. Your lesson has been learned.”
It remains unclear whether their intent was to express support for Hamas.
