Once again, needless police investigation into anti-Hamas activist dropped following legal support from CAA

A police investigation into an activist renowned for declaring, in the face of anti-Israel protesters, that Hamas and Hizballah are terrorists under UK law, has been dropped.

The investigation stemmed from an accusation by a counter-protester against Niyak Ghorbani at a demonstration on 12th November last year at Queen Mary University of London.

The demonstration was organised to protest Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, who was scheduled to speak at the University. Ms Albanese has long been accused of using antisemitic rhetoric.

The protest was initially organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism, but was cancelled due to security concerns, following an online threat of an ‘Amsterdam-style’ attack, which appeared to refer to a series of violent attacks against Jews in the Netherlands that took place only days earlier. Several protesters, including Mr Ghorbani, proceeded to demonstrate outside the University and were met by counter-demonstrators.

Mr Ghorbani, who is of Iranian heritage, was accused by one of the counter-protesters of making racially aggravated threats to kill. They alleged that he said: “I’ll kill you, you Arab b******.” A police investigation was launched.

He has since been informed that the investigation has been dropped.

The police have also confirmed that an investigation will be opened to determine if the allegation was an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement for Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “We welcome the decision to drop the ludicrous investigation against Niyak Ghorbani, who should never have been subjected to this ordeal in the first place. It is appalling that those who speak out against terrorism are targeted while actual extremists go unchallenged. We are proud yet again to have provided legal assistance to Mr Ghorbani, and we will continue to stand with all those who stand with the Jewish community and face repercussions for doing so. Justice has prevailed, but this case raises serious concerns about the priorities of those tasked with upholding the law.”

Anyone requiring legal assistance over an incident relating to antisemitism can contact us at [email protected].