BRITISH IMPERIALISM’S “TERRORISM” LAWS ARE USED FOR REPRESSION
SOLIDARITY WITH THE RESISTANCE IN PALESTINE, LEBANON, YEMEN AND IRAN IS NOT A CRIME.
SUPPORTING THE ZIONIST ENTITY IS A HUMANITARIAN CRIME!
On 18 September 2026, a jury at the Old Bailey in London unanimously acquitted 22-year-old former SOAS student Sarah Cotte of expressing support for a proscribed organisation. The verdict brought to an end a case that had stretched over more than two years.
On 9 October 2023, Sarah, then a student at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), delivered a speech outside the university following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Her speech drew complaints from pro-Israel campaigners, including UK Lawyers for Israel, which reported her to the police and SOAS. On 31 January 2024, counter-terrorism police arrested her in a dawn raid. In March 2025, she was charged under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 with expressing support for Hamas, although her speech did not explicitly name Hamas. The prosecution argued that her references to the Palestinian armed resistance amounted to support for the proscribed organisation; Sarah denied this and maintained that she was defending the Palestinian people’s right to resist.
Another SOAS student was also arrested in connection with alleged offences under Section 12 but was not charged. Together, the two became known through the solidarity campaign as the “SOAS 2.” The Revolutionary Communist Group (RCG), which publishes Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! organised an extensive campaign in their defence and has also campaigned in support of other pro-Palestine activists facing prosecution.
Sarah’s first Old Bailey trial took place in June 2026. The jury acquitted her on one charge relating to comments in a WhatsApp group but was unable to reach a verdict on the charge concerning her October 2023 speech. A retrial was subsequently ordered for September.
The retrial began on 14 September 2026. Throughout the proceedings, supporters maintained protests and solidarity actions outside the Old Bailey. Members and supporters of the RCG were joined at different stages of the campaign by other organisations and individuals.
On 18 September, an Anti-Imperialist Front representative attended the trial from the public gallery. During the defence closing speech, Sarah’s solidarity with the Palestinian people was discussed in the context of Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous warning about remaining silent while others are persecuted.
After the judge completed his directions, the jury retired to consider its verdict. Less than two hours later, it returned and found Sarah Cotte not guilty.
For the Anti-Imperialist Front, the case demonstrates the danger posed by the use of British terrorism legislation against expressions of solidarity with Palestine. It also highlights the influence by organisations such as UK Lawyers for Israel, whose own published account confirms that it reported Sarah to both counter-terrorism police and SOAS following her October 2023 speech.
The Anti-Imperialist Front congratulates Sarah Cotte, the RCG, the Defend the SOAS 2 campaign, and everyone who maintained solidarity throughout the case.
At the same time, British support for Israel continues. On 8 September 2026, the British government announced that it would introduce legislation banning imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and impose further measures against individuals and companies involved in settlement expansion. The government has stated that the legislation is expected to come into force within six to nine months.
For the Anti-Imperialist Front, these measures do not alter the broader question of Britain’s political, economic and military relationship with Israel, including the continuing involvement of British companies and institutions.
END THE OCCUPATION!
PALESTINE WILL BE FREE, FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA!
DOWN WITH IMPERIALISM, ZIONISM AND FASCISM!
LONG LIVE THE RESISTANCE OF THE PEOPLES OF WEST ASIA!
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