Friday was the fifth day of Sarah’s trial on spurious charges of encouraging support for a proscribed organisation contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.
The judge began the day by instructing the jury on how they should deliberate on the case. The prosecution barrister then gave a dull closing speech in which he alleged that Sarah had been lying to the jury. Margo Munro Kerr, the barrister for the defence, followed up with an impassioned closing address, reminding the jury that not only had the prosecution failed to prove Sarah’s alleged support for a proscribed organisation, but that the speech for which Sarah had been dragged into court was completely legal, and that protecting the right to express support for Palestine is necessary in a democratic society.
The protest outside the court brought together supporters of the SOAS 2 and of the Filton 25, eight of whom are also on trial at the Old Bailey. The theme of today’s protest was International Solidarity with Palestine. Supporting organisation who brought their banners and spoke on the open mic included the Anti-Fascist International, Newham Trades Council, the SOAS Liberated Zone, Focus E15 housing campaign and the Revolutionary Communist Group.
When court had finished for the day, Sarah spoke to the protest, telling us that no ground was conceded to the prosecution, stressing once again that an occupied people have a right to use armed struggle in self-defence. and that the case is simple – ‘Do you support the Palestinian people or not?’
We go again on Monday 29 June – join us outside the court from 9.30am. The judge will conclude his summing up and the jury will go out to consider its verdict. This trial is crucial for the safeguarding of the democratic right to defend the Palestinian struggle here in Britain.
