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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.<\/p>\n
Khaled Hajsaad, 24, wore the clothing at a pro-Palestine rally in Trafalgar Square on 25 November 2023.<\/p>\n
The green headband had the “Shahada” written on it in white – the basic statement of the Islamic faith, the court was told.<\/p>\n
Hajsaad told police the headband was “an item of Saudi Arabia” and the Shahada was a “statement of my faith”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
District Judge Nina Tempia told the court: “Hamas is the most notable Palestinian group associated with the colour green\u2026 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.<\/p>\n
“It clearly did not have the Saudi sword on it.<\/p>\n
“I find the defendant guilty of the offence.”<\/p>\n
Judge Tempia added: “I find the harm serious and when it happened, so soon after 7 October, it would have meant significant distress.”<\/p>\n
Hajsaad, described as an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK a year ago, had previously entered a not guilty plea.<\/p>\n
He is due to be sentenced on 21 June at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.<\/p>\n
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds<\/a> and follow BBC London on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk<\/p>\n <\/div>\n