The Trial of Majid Freeman, Day 4

Under the 2000 Terrorism Act, the maximum sentence for encouraging terrorism is 15 years in prison. Inviting support for a proscribed organisation carries a maximum term of 14 years. When Majid Freeman began to speak at Birmingham Crown Court, standing accused of supporting Hamas through a series of social media posts related to the Gaza genocide, he knew his liberty was on the line.

Freeman takes the stand

Defence barrister Hossein Zahir KC is a seasoned professional and imposing presence, his words booming across the courtroom.

His questioning began with several reminders to the softly-spoken Freeman to raise his voice. Judge Andrew Smith KC politely suggested:

Aim for the back row of the jury, even if you need to shout.

First trip to Gaza

The court heard details of Freeman’s first trip to Gaza in 2012, as part of the “Games 2 Gaza” initiative. Freeman explains:

It was designed to replicate the 2012 Olympics for the orphans in Gaza. We took sports equipment: boxing gloves, skipping ropes, and footballs.

On one of the days, we gave the children paper and colouring pens. Most drew their parents being killed or attacked by tanks or fighter jets. I was taken aback. I’d never seen anything like it.

‘I was devastated’

The jury were shown photographs of Freeman delivering medical aid to hospitals in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City.

Freeman’s defence barrister asked: “How did the trip to Gaza affect you?”

I was devastated.

His barrister continued: “Did anything happen after you returned home?”

Yes. In November 2012, the Israeli military attacked Gaza again.

In February 2013, Freeman went back to Palestine: “What was the impact of the second visit?” Freeman took a deep breath:

I couldn’t believe the level of destruction in just a few months. Yes, things were bad before, but now, they were worse.

Freeman was asked by his barristers about his views on the Zionist project and ideology:

I think it’s a disgusting ideology. Because of Zionism, Palestinian families have been displaced from their homes. I believe every Palestinian has the right to defend themselves and their families, including by using force.

The ‘Palestine’ question

Next, Zahir asked about his view on a potential solution to the Palestine question:

I believe that the two-state solution is unrealistic. Maybe it was once a possibility, but not now. In fact, I believe that the Israeli government uses it as cover to continue expanding and removing Palestinians from their land.

Zahir asked: “But what do you believe the answer is?”

I believe that all citizens of Palestine should be able to live side-by-side, with equal rights, regardless of their faith, like the rights we have here. They should not be forced to live under two separate judicial systems.

“Are you a supporter of Hamas?” Zahir asked. Freeman replied:

No. I do not support Hamas as a group. I support the right of all Palestinians to defend themselves, whether they are part of any group or none.

Not just Hamas, but every Palestinian group has the right to defend themselves against Israeli aggression and genocide. This is the basics. Every people has the right to self-determination.

I am totally against being forced to criticise Hamas as a condition for speaking on the issue of Palestine. It is a trap designed to prevent discussion.

“Do we hear the same condition, to condemn the actions of the IDF, imposed as a precursor to discussion?” his barrister asked.

Hardly ever. Palestinians ‘die’; Israelis are ‘killed’. Language matters.

A clear, unapologetic account

Whatever the outcome of the trial, Freeman made sure to set out his stall. The jury has been presented with a clear, unapologetic account of his views. Now, they must decide whether or not he has broken the law.

Tomorrow, Freeman will be cross-examined by the prosecution.

At one point, defence barrister Zahir asked Freeman to explain a poem he had reposted on Instagram.

There were times [during the Gaza genocide] that I felt despondent, but then I’d come across a powerful reminder like this.

I’ve got my voice; I don’t have time to feel disheartened.

Featured image via the Canary