Pro-Palestine teacher Marieha Hussain, who was recently cleared of a public order offence after displaying a satirical placard depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as “coconuts,” has filed a complaint against the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Birnberg Pierce, acting for Hussain, have submitted a detailed complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) accusing the police of undermining her freedom of speech and causing her irreparable harm. A separate letter was sent to the CPS.
The complaint states: “The Metropolitan Police and the CPS failed inexcusably in their respective responsibilities, seriously undermined the exercise of free speech and exposed Ms Hussain to irreparable harm.”
Marieha Hussain’s lawyer, Gareth Pierce, states in the complaint that the prosecution was “always unsustainable” and that “disturbing factors emerged in evidence” during the trial.
This included how the Metropolitan Police relied on information from a secretive, pro-Israel blog called “Harry’s Place,” as a matter of practice. The blog initially shared Marieha Hussain’s image, prompting the police to respond, confirming they were “actively searching” for her.
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The police then reproduced the same photo, stating she was “wanted in relation to an investigation of a hate crime,” without considering “any duty of safeguarding towards a young woman very clearly offering no threat,” according to her lawyers.
The complaints demand accountability from the Metropolitan Police and CPS, seeking explanations of their decision-making, consideration of Marieha Hussain’s right to free speech, and the chilling effect of targeting pro-Palestine activism.
Marieha Hussain commented: “The Metropolitan police and CPS pursued a politicised case against me without justification. It has damaged my reputation and cost me my career. They must answer for the harm they have caused, not just to me, but also to the right to peaceful protest.”
Anas Mustapha, Head of Public Advocacy at CAGE International, added: “Marieha has endured a deeply vindictive prosecution to protect the Zionist state and its enablers in power. It’s right that she challenges the CPS and police to stop such witch hunts against pro-Palestine activists.”
