Jury quickly acquits London protesters filmed chanting reference to killing Jews

A jury swiftly acquitted two women, a mother and daughter, after they were filmed chanting a slogan referencing the killing of Jews at a London protest on October 28, 2023. The jury deliberated for just 28 minutes before reaching their verdict.

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It is very disappointing that this case did not result in a conviction, but we hope this outcome will not dissuade the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from continuing to prosecute cases of people allegedly inciting antisemitic hatred wherever possible.

Fatiah Boumazouna, 55, and Hadjer Boumazouna, 28, had been arrested following the demonstration where they chanted "Khaybar Khaybar Ya Yahud Jaish Muhammad, sa yahud." This phrase refers to a historical battle where Jews were reportedly slaughtered by early Islamic forces. The women surrendered to police the following day, stating they were unaware the chant conveyed racial or religious hatred and apologized for any offense caused.

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The chant is unmistakably threatening to Jewish people... But a jury apparently somehow disagreed. Nothing, it seems, can possibly be construed as being threatening to Jewish people if it means someone might be held to account. Another miscarriage of justice that will do nothing to reassure British Jews that the system is up to the job of protecting them and deterring haters.

However, antisemitism advocacy groups voiced strong disappointment with the acquittal. A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST) stated, "It is very disappointing that this case did not result in a conviction, but we hope this outcome will not dissuade the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from continuing to prosecute cases of people allegedly inciting antisemitic hatred wherever possible." Campaign Against Antisemitism noted this was the second failed prosecution attempt for the "Khaybar chant," calling it a "miscarriage of justice" that fails to reassure British Jews about the system's ability to protect them.

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Chants of 'Khaybar, Khaybar, ya yahud' are among the clearest examples of incitement against Jewish people heard at regular anti-Israel demonstrations. This slogan cannot credibly be misconstrued as a legitimate political slogan against the State of Israel. Rather, it is a direct expression of racial and religious hatred towards Jews.

The Jewish Leadership Council echoed these sentiments, describing the chant as "among the clearest examples of incitement against Jewish people" and not a legitimate political slogan. They urged police and the CPS not to be deterred by the failed prosecution and to take robust action to protect British Jews.

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Such chanting should be met with the full force of the law. The police and CPS must not allow a disappointing failed prosecution to deter them from taking robust action to protect British Jews.