Man found guilty of wearing headband in support of Hamas
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A man has been found guilty of wearing a headband in support of Hamas at a pro-Palestine rally in central London.
Khaled Hajsaad, 24, who has been living in Birmingham, wore the clothing at a pro-Palestine rally in Trafalgar Square on November 25, 2023.
The green headband had the “Shahada” written on it in white – the basic statement of the Islamic faith, the court was told previously.
The defendant had previously told police the headband was “an item of Saudi Arabia” and the Shahada was a “statement of my faith”.
I find the harm serious and … when (the offence) happened, so soon after October 7, it would have meant significant distress
But Hajsaad, who appeared at the City of London Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, was found guilty of wearing the item “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion” he was supporting Hamas – an illegal act in the UK where it is designated a terrorist group.
District Judge Nina Tempia told the court: “Hamas is the most notable Palestinian group associated with the colour green … He was wearing the headband at the pro-Palestinian march, where there would be no reasons for someone to wear the headband of a Saudi flag.
“It clearly did not have the Saudi sword on it.
“I find the defendant guilty of the offence.”
On the offence, Judge Tempia added: “I find the harm serious and … when (the offence) happened, so soon after October 7, it would have meant significant distress.”
Hajsaad, described as an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK a year ago, had previously entered a not guilty plea.
He is due to be sentenced on June 21 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
