Pro-Palestinian Campaigner Arrested Ahead of Anti-Zionist Group Launch in Birmingham
A prominent pro-Palestinian campaigner, who has publicly described the October 7 attacks as a "homecoming" and protested against what she terms "Jewish supremacy," was dramatically arrested in Birmingham just hours before she was scheduled to speak at the launch of a new anti-Zionist organisation. The arrest has sparked significant police activity and community concern in the city.
Dramatic Arrest Before Scheduled Speech
Latifa Abouchakra, a 35-year-old reporter for the Iranian state channel Press TV, was detained by West Midlands Police at approximately 2:30 pm on Sunday in the Kings Heath area. This occurred merely ninety minutes before she was due to appear as a panelist at the inaugural meeting of the Anti-Zionist Movement (AZM). The event, which had already faced venue cancellation due to public outcry, proceeded at a different location with heightened security measures.
According to police statements, officers stopped a vehicle in which Abouchakra was travelling. She was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and was also wanted by the Metropolitan Police regarding a separate investigation into speeches and social media posts made between May and October of the previous year. These alleged offences relate to both London and Birmingham locations under the Public Order Act.
Controversial Event Proceeds Under Police Scrutiny
The AZM launch event, originally booked at The Old Print Works in Balsall Heath, was cancelled by the venue last week following widespread criticism of its promotional materials. Advertisements for the gathering described it as "unapologetically pro Armed Resistance" and campaigning against "Jewish Supremacy." Organisers, however, vowed the meeting would continue and only disclosed the new venue—Al Andalus Hall, situated just two doors from the original location—to ticket holders two hours before commencement.
A substantial police presence was observed outside the hall, with officers filming attendees and engaging with counter-protesters. Security at the event was tight, with masked guards requiring both tickets and identification for entry. A Palestinian flag bearing the words "Viva Palestina" was displayed prominently at the entrance, which is located above a Yemeni restaurant.
Controversial Figures Among Attendees and Panelists
The event attracted several controversial figures, including Akhmed Yakoob, a solicitor known as the "TikTok lawyer" who is currently awaiting trial on money laundering charges. Yakoob, who leads the Independent Candidate Alliance supporting a convicted terrorist in upcoming council elections, was heard shouting "Zionists are terrorists" at media representatives upon entering the venue.
Other scheduled speakers included former academic David Miller, dismissed by the University of Bristol in 2021 over alleged antisemitic remarks, and suspended NHS doctor Rahmeh Aladwan. Dr. Aladwan has been arrested four times since October on suspicions including malicious communication and inciting racial hatred, and is under investigation by the General Medical Council for alleged support of Hamas and antisemitic comments.
Background of the Arrested Campaigner
Latifa Abouchakra, who identifies online as a "35-year-old Palestinian refugee," has a history of contentious statements. Following the October 7 attacks, she referred to hostages taken by Hamas as "settlers" and "prisoners of war," while characterising the terrorist assault as "the homecoming of at least 1,000 Palestinians from the resistance factions into the fragile Zionist entity."
Her association with Press TV, which had its UK broadcasting licence revoked by Ofcom over a decade ago for rule breaches, has drawn criticism. Last year, The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned an ITV News interview with Abouchakra as a "catastrophically bad decision," noting the failure to disclose her links to the Iranian state broadcaster.
Further Arrest and Police Investigation
West Midlands Police confirmed a second arrest at the event, detaining a 42-year-old man after a member of the public reported being threatened. Additionally, authorities have launched an investigation into a social media post used to advertise the gathering. Police stated they had consulted with key stakeholders, including members of the local Jewish community, both before and during the operation.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian activism, free speech boundaries, and community relations in Birmingham, with legal proceedings against Abouchakra and other participants expected to develop in the coming weeks.
