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In a ruling that has sparked debate among free speech advocates and campaigners, pro-Gaza activists Hiba Ahmed, 26, and Ayeshah Behit, 31, have been found guilty of harassment following a confrontation with Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones during the 2024 general election campaign. However, in a decision seen by many as a nuanced recognition of the context of their actions, Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring sentenced both to conditional discharges and fines at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, allowing Ahmed, a first-time offender, to avoid a criminal record if she remains offense-free for a year.
The incident, which Ms. Davies-Jones, the Labour MP for Pontypridd, described as leaving her "terrified," involved Ahmed, an architecture student at the University of Cardiff, and Behit confronting the minister in her constituency. They filmed the interaction, distributed leaflets labeling Ms. Davies-Jones a "full-blown supporter of this genocide" in reference to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and questioned her stance on a ceasefire. Despite Ms. Davies-Jones clarifying she had been "paired" and not in the country for a vote, the activists followed her, shouting, "Why do you support genocide, why are you murdering babies Alex Davies-Jones?" Later the same day, posters referring to politicians "enabling genocide" were placed on the Labour office walls, alongside stickers on the office and a bus stop asking, "Alex Davies-Jones how many murdered children is too many?" A video of the confrontation subsequently shared on social media further accused Ms. Davies-Jones of racism. Judge Goldspring acknowledged that the conduct "was clearly designed to cause alarm and distress" and went "beyond the boundaries" of freedom of speech, extending "beyond robust scrutiny or political process."
However, speaking outside court, Hiba Ahmed, who received a 12-month conditional discharge, maintained that their actions were driven by a desire to raise awareness of Ms. Davies-Jones’s voting record on Palestine ahead of the election. "We wanted to ensure the community was fully informed about their representative's actions regarding Palestine," Ahmed stated, adding that both she and Behit, who received an 18-month conditional discharge due to a previous protest-related conviction in 2024, would appeal their convictions. Both were also ordered to pay £650 in costs and a £26 court surcharge, payable at £20 per month.
For supporters of pro-Gaza activism, the case highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the boundaries of protest, particularly when addressing deeply felt political issues. Many believe that the urgency of the situation in Gaza necessitates robust, even confrontational, forms of advocacy to draw attention to what they perceive as political complicity in humanitarian crises.
In a statement following the verdict, Ms. Davies-Jones expressed gratitude to the police and the justice system, noting, "What today’s verdict has shown is that harassment and intimidation of politicians is unacceptable. We are human beings doing our jobs." She affirmed her willingness to engage in "constructive debate" but underscored the importance of politicians being able to serve their constituents "freely and safely."
The ongoing legal challenge from Ahmed and Behit is set to continue the conversation around the methods and limitations of protest, particularly concerning the highly sensitive and emotionally charged issue of the conflict in Gaza.
