UK Sets Precedent With ‘Intifada’ Charges

London,England,-,June,4,,2019:,Police,Officer,Control,Protest

UK police have taken an unprecedented step by charging three pro-Palestinian protesters with racial hatred for chanting the Arabic term “intifada.” This marks the first time such standalone chants have led to prosecution under the Public Order Act 1986, setting a critical precedent for hate speech enforcement. While authorities argue the action is necessary to protect Jewish communities amid rising antisemitic threats, leftist activists and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have swiftly condemned the move as an attack on free speech and discriminatory targeting of Arabic terminology. The resulting debate hinges on the interpretation of “intifada”—a call for uprising—in the context of heightened global tensions and recent acts of antisemitic violence.

Story Highlights

Metropolitan Police charged Abdallah Alanzi (24), Haya Adam (21), and Azza Zaki (60) under the Public Order Act 1986 for chants at a December 17, 2025, protest outside London’s Ministry of Justice.
First-ever UK prosecutions specifically for “intifada” chants, viewed by authorities as stirring racial hatred in context of recent antisemitic attacks.
Defendants scheduled for Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 23, 2026; no action against a 17-year-old arrested that night.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign condemns charges as discriminatory, plans February march; police emphasize public safety post-Manchester synagogue attack and Sydney Bondi terror incident.

Protest Details and Arrests

On December 17, 2025, a pro-Palestinian demonstration gathered outside the Ministry of Justice in Petty France, Westminster, amid national protests against UK Gaza policy. Three individuals—Abdallah Alanzi of Brent, Haya Adam of Westminster, and Azza Zaki of Westminster—allegedly chanted “intifada” during the event. Metropolitan Police arrested them that night under suspicion of offenses likely to stir racial hatred. Police assessed the totality of chants in the heightened security context following antisemitic violence. A 17-year-old faced no further action.

Charges Announced and Legal Basis

Metropolitan Police announced the charges on January 27, 2026, marking the first UK prosecutions for standalone “intifada” chants at protests. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized action under Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986, citing sufficient evidence and public interest. Authorities considered the term’s context amid global tensions post-October 2023 Israel-Hamas war. This follows prior police warnings on “globalise the intifada” but breaks new ground without that prefix.

A man & two women. Abdallah Alanzi, 24, Haya Adam, 21, and Azza Zaki, 60 have been charged with stirring up racial hatred over alleged chants calling for an intifada.They were demonstrating outside the Ministry of Justice on 17 Dec.

All live in London. pic.twitter.com/yTrJq7H6RZ

— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) January 26, 2026

Historical Context of “Intifada” Chants

The Arabic term “intifada,” meaning “to shake off” or “uprising,” references Palestinian actions against Israeli occupation: the 1987-1993 period focused on peaceful protests, while 2000-2005 involved armed resistance. UK police now interpret it as a threat following attacks like the Heaton Park synagogue incident in Manchester, killing two Jews, and the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, claiming 15 lives. Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously labeled “internationalise the intifada” a call to target Jews worldwide.

Stakeholder Reactions and Free Speech Debate

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign called the charges “disgraceful,” arguing “intifada” symbolizes shaking off injustice, akin to unprosecuted English terms like “uprising.” They plan a national march from Russell Square in February 2026. Police and CPS prioritize public safety for Jewish communities amid rising incidents. Protesters view it as discriminatory targeting of Arabic terms; authorities see necessary protection. This sets precedent for hate speech enforcement at protests.

Implications for UK Communities

Short-term, the charges may chill pro-Palestinian rhetoric, while offering reassurance to Jewish groups post-attacks. Long-term, expect debates on protest rights and policing amid Gaza scrutiny. Tensions rise between Muslim/Palestinian supporters and law enforcement. Greater Manchester Police co-issued prior warnings. Outcomes hinge on the February 23 court appearance, potentially influencing future demonstrations under Starmer’s government.

Watch the report: Police make arrests over ‘intifada’ chants at pro-Palestinian demonstration in Westminster