A 22-year-old woman was found guilty of racially aggravated threatening behaviour for brandishing a derogatory sign during a pro-Palestine demonstration by Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The 22-year-old from Hendon Way, Barnet, Laura Davis, admitted to racially aggravated threatening and abusive behaviour with the intent to annoy, alarm, or distress during her Thursday appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
In addition to the £100 punishment, she must also pay £85 in costs and £40 in victim surcharge. On the 28th of October, authorities pulled Davis over in Westminster’s Regent Street.
On CCTV footage, she could be seen with a sign reading “Free Palestine!! Israel Burn In Hell,” indicating that she was a member of a separate protest organisation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “We have been clear that while the right to protest lawfully must be respected, that does not extend to actions or statements that cross the line from political speech into criminality.
“While the majority of those attending protests have done so lawfully, it is regrettable that we have seen a number of people who have turned up carrying signs or chanting in a way that they should know will cause alarm or distress to others, and in particular those in our Jewish communities.”
“If you are coming out to protest, please think carefully about how slogans and statements might impact others.”
“We will not tolerate hate speech or abuse.”
“Anyone who continues to engage in that sort of behaviour, despite the clear warnings we have provided, will face police action and could end up before the courts.”
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