THE Crown’s case against two leaders of the Palestine movement was called a “ludicrous invitation to criminalise legitimate protected political speech about the misuse of state power against people’s civil liberties” today.

Defence barrister Mark Summers KC castigated the prosecution on the final day of the trial of Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal and Stop the War Coalition vice-chair Chris Nineham at Westminster magistrates’ court.

He described their actions in the run up to the January 18 2025 Palestine protest as nothing more than those of civic organisations engaging in political campaigning in a democracy.

Conditions imposed by the Met had created widespread public criticism which, on previous marches, had led to compromise. This time the police refused.

Letters in support of the protest going to the BBC, signed by members of Jewish organisations, Holocaust survivors, journalists, judges, politicians and others were all ignored.

Mr Summers emphasised that Mr Jamal and Mr Nineham were both highly respected movement leaders with an extraordinary record of managing some of the biggest demonstrations ever seen in this country.

He said: “Why would they suddenly decide to defy police conditions, jeopardising future marches, their reputations, and political support?”

Officers in the control room and on the ground were in complete ignorance of the plan for a “flower delegation” to walk towards the BBC to lay flowers, even though it had been announced by Mr Jamal from the stage.

If stopped by police, the delegation would lay the flowers at their feet.

This Mr Summers said was a “sensible, symbolic proposal” and could only have succeeded with police permission.

He said: “From beginning to end, events had been a humourless Ealing comedy. At no point did either side understand the intentions of the other.”

At the police cordons the delegation believed they had been permitted to walk through police lines.

In footage from a police body-worn camera, not previously disclosed by the prosecution, an officer was heard telling the delegation: “You’ve got to filter through. Filter, Take your time getting through.”

Mr Summers asked: “Why would it occur to them that they were being instructed by the police to do something unlawful?”

On the incitement charge against Mr Jamal, Mr Summers said it was “utterly hopeless” as he was “engaged in the very opposite of inciting people into a criminal breach of the conditions imposed by the police.”

The judge has reserved judgement until April 1.