Headband was worn in support of Hamas, judge finds
- Published
Khaled Hajsaad said his headband said "Shahada"
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, wore the clothing at a pro-Palestine rally in Trafalgar Square on 25 November 2023.
The green headband had the "Shahada" written on it in white - the basic statement of the Islamic faith, the court was told.
Hajsaad told police the headband was "an item of Saudi Arabia" and the Shahada was a "statement of my faith".
He was found guilty, at the City of London Magistrates' Court, 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."
Judge Tempia added: "I find the harm serious and when it happened, so soon after 7 October, 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 21 June at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
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