Activists Acquitted After ‘Genocide’ Spray Paint Protest At Labour Conference Entrance
Youth Demand claimed responsibility for the initial protest.
Laura O’Brien, Partner and Head of the Protest and Public Order Team at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors represented two Youth Demand activists who were acquitted today after a trial at Sefton Magistrates Court of criminal damage after they wrote ‘GENOCIDE CONFERENCE’ at the entrance to the Labour Party Conference in September 2024. The protest took place after the Labour Party reportedly banned the use of the words ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid’ at the conference.
The pair called for the Labour Government to introduce a two-way arms embargo with the State of Israel. In finding our clients not guilty the District Judge found it was a peaceful and targeted protest and that a conviction would not be a proportionate interference with their rights to freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
After the acquittal Laura commented that “This case highlights the important balance to be struck between fundamental rights exercised by protestors and the competing rights of others in the context of criminal trials. This was an example of pure political speech aimed at the Government at the biggest and most public event in the political calendar. The Judge was absolutely right to conclude that convicting our clients of causing minor and temporary damage was not necessary in a democratic society.”
While the UK government has acknowledged that British-made weapons may be used in ways that potentially violate international law, Youth Demand were critical of Labour’s apparently limited response which they believe does not adequately address public concerns, thus leading to their peaceful protest.
Promoting Fundamental Human Rights
Hodge Jones & Allen is one of the leading firms dealing with cases with a political dimension and has built a renowned reputation in the United Kingdom for demonstrating expertise in successfully defending the right to protest across a wide range of protests and political campaigns.
These occur if you’re arrested at a protest or direct action or if you are being stopped or punished for what you’ve said. You might be a journalist reporting on events or even a politician or political/trade union activist.
Each of these situations requires a lawyer who knows the different political considerations involved and will use their skills to help the client navigate the issues.
Our Protest Law solicitors are top-ranked Band 1 in the Chambers UK legal directory. They have been recognised as a ‘leading protest law team with considerable experience representing defendants in complex and high-profile cases’.
How to get in touch?
Top Ranked Solicitors
Our top ranking team have years of experience representing the innocent. We stand up to the prosecution. Our clients will always be represented by an experienced solicitor or barrister. We know how to fight and win cases.
Here to help
Representing you at the Police Station or in Court If you need urgent representation call us today. Share a few details with us and we’ll let you know how we can help you.
Call FREE 24 hours a day
If you are calling outside our office hours (9:30am to 5:30pm) call our free phone 24 telephone on 0808 274 8226. There will always be someone at the other end of the telephone to assist you.