Emin Kandola secures acquittal in alleged ‘anti-zionist’ Instagram post harassment case.
September 17, 2024
MS was alleged to have posted anti-Zionist Instagram comments and posts about Israel, directed at his former employer. He was charged with religiously aggravated harassment towards a particular religious group, namely Jewish; and malicious communications.
It was alleged that MS had created stories on his own Instagram on the topic of Palestine and Israel and posted comments on his former employer’s page.
MS denied any racial hatred towards the Jewish community and denied both offences. His case was that he was expressing his views on Palestine and Israel and posted on his private Instagram page days after the conflict between Israel and Palestine commenced on the Gaza Strip.
Days before the trial, following pro-active, precise, and targeted defence disclosure requests and representations with respect to the issue of legitimate and protected free speech, the prosecution reviewed the case and made a decision to offer no evidence and a not guilty verdict was entered.
The prosecution has subsequently made an application for a post-acquittal restraining order. This application will be heard on 23 October at Harrow Crown Court.