CPS authorises charges against two women following protest in London
Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Following a review of evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police, we have authorised charges against two women who took part in a demonstration in central London last month.
“Heba Alhayey, 29, and Pauline Ankunda, 26, have been charged with single counts of carrying or displaying an article, namely an image displaying a paraglider, to arouse reasonable suspicion that they are supporters of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, on Saturday, 14 October 2023.
“The pair have been bailed to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 10 November 2023.
“Criminal proceedings against the two women are active and they each have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
“The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider.”
Notes to editors
- Heba Alhayey, [DOB: 14/08/1994], of south London, has been charged with carrying or displaying an article, namely an image displaying a paraglider, in a public place, namely Whitehall, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that she is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, contrary to section 13(1) Terrorism Act 2000.
- Pauline Ankunda, [DOB: 19/06/1997], of south London, has been charged with carrying or displaying an article, namely an image displaying a paraglider, in a public place, namely Whitehall, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that she is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, contrary to section 13(1) Terrorism Act 2000.
- This is a summary-only offence, with a maximum prison sentence of six months.
- The Counter Terrorism Division is responsible for prosecuting terrorism crimes and terrorist related offences in England and Wales. It also prosecutes allegations of incitement to racial and religious hatred, war crimes and crimes against humanity, official secrets cases, piracy and hijacking.