Teacher Left 'In Shock' After Investigation Over Pro-Palestine Supermarket Protest
A secondary school teacher has described being left anxious and depressed after her employer investigated her for participating in a pro-Palestine protest at a local supermarket. Sajia Iqbal, 43, took part in a direct action at a Sainsbury's in Ilford on 5 April 2025 as part of the Redbridge Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The Supermarket Action and Its Aftermath
The protest involved approximately ten individuals who collected items from shelves and placed them in a trolley adorned with a Palestinian flag. They presented a letter to the store manager explaining their action and urging the supermarket to support the boycott of Israeli goods amid military operations in Gaza. "We did not remove any goods from the shop and we did not leave with any goods from the premises," Ms Iqbal stated in her first interview since the event. "No complaints were made. Police were not called."
Ms Iqbal participated in her personal time, with no identification linking her to her school. However, following the protest, UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) contacted Beal High School, alleging she may have committed "aggravated trespass." This triggered a formal disciplinary investigation by the school.
Impact on Health and Employment Tribunal Proceedings
The school ultimately found no misconduct had occurred but warned that future Palestine-related actions could lead to further measures. Ms Iqbal subsequently took sick leave and received a formal written warning regarding her absence. She claims she was unfairly penalised for exercising her right to protest and has initiated Employment Tribunal proceedings against the school, alleging discrimination based on protected beliefs of anti-occupation and anti-apartheid. The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) is representing her case.
Broader Pattern of Repression Documented
Ms Iqbal's case emerges alongside a new ELSC report documenting 964 verified incidents of arrests, workplace dismissals, suspensions, and event cancellations related to expressions of support for Palestinians across the UK from January 2019 to August 2025. The data indicates a significant increase in incidents following 7 October 2023.
- Students, academics, and teachers were targeted in 336 incidents.
- Activists and organisers were affected in 229 incidents.
- Other frequently targeted groups included public and private sector workers, artists, and cultural workers.
- UKLFI was involved in 128 complaint incidents.
- Police and security personnel took action in 220 incidents.
- Educational institutions were involved in 192 instances.
The report highlights that allegations of extremism and antisemitism are frequently used in complaints against pro-Palestine advocates.
UKLFI's Position and Further Actions
In response to the complaint against Ms Iqbal, UKLFI stated they warned the school due to her role as president of the Redbridge branch of the National Education Union, which had encouraged members to advocate for Palestine. They cited Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996 regarding political indoctrination and balanced treatment of issues, as well as Department for Education guidance on teacher standards.
"By removing shelves full of kosher and Israeli products in a supermarket, and obstructing others from buying them, we believe Ms Iqbal demonstrated an intolerant attitude," a UKLFI spokesperson said. The group recently lobbied the British Museum to remove the word "Palestine" from displays, claiming it obscured Jewish history.
Personal Motivation and Resolve
Ms Iqbal, whose family hails from Kashmir, explained her deep personal investment in the cause, stemming from a visit to the West Bank shortly before October 7. "I saw children's schools demolished... I made a promise to the Palestinian people that I would use my voice to advocate for them," she said.
Despite the "severe anxiety and stress" caused by the investigation, she remains determined to continue her activism. The ELSC asserts the report reveals "a pattern of anti-Palestinian repression" throughout UK society, raising concerns about freedom of expression and democratic rights.
