Woman said Hamas attacks were inspiring, court hears

A woman accused of expressing support for Hamas a day after the 7 October attacks claimed the terror group's actions were "a victory" and "inspiring", a court has heard.

Hanin Barghouthi is charged under the Terrorism Act with a single count of expressing an "opinion or belief" during a speech she made at a rally, in Brighton, on 8 October, 2023.

She is alleged to have reacted with "joy" and "support" to the news following the banned organisation's attack in Israel.

The 24-year-old, from East Sussex, has previously denied the charge.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the jury at Kingston Crown Court earlier: "We may all remember something of our reactions as the news unfolded over the next 24 hours.

"The reaction of Ms Barghouthi was one of joy, of support for the actions carried out by Hamas."

Bisgrove said the defendant had been "prepared to make a speech" when she attended the rally in the city centre.

Jurors heard that in her speech, Barghouthi told the crowd "we need to celebrate these acts of resistance because this is a success".

Bisgrove said the defendant "encouraged the audience to share her support and the audience applauded and cheered".

During the trial's opening, jurors were shown a video of the rally.

In her speech, Barghouthi can be heard telling the crowd she is Palestinian, adding: "For me, yesterday was a victory".

The court heard Barghouthi was arrested on 12 October, 2023, and answered "no comment" to police when asked about her actions and motivations.

Bisgrove said the Crown anticipated Barghouthi's defence would be she "did not realise" it was Hamas which carried out the attacks.

Hamas is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government.

The trial continues.

Additional reporting by PA.

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