Trial set for Leicester political activist accused of supporting Hamas and encouraging terrorism

Majid Novsarka, better known as Majid Freeman, was charged last month with encouragement of terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation.

Last month, prosecutors said that between Boxing Day and June 20, Freeman expressed an opinion or belief supportive of Hamas.

Freeman is also alleged to have posted on social media on March 11 a statement in relation to the 2015 Paris attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine, which the prosecution said was encouraging people to commit, prepare or instigate acts of terrorism.

Lee Ingham, for the prosecution, referred to the potential for “strong feelings in the Leicester area. He’s fairly well-known as a political activist.”

The prosecutor said his case would not be suitable for a trial in Leicester due to the strong feelings.

Freeman remains on bail and the judge affirmed that Freeman is prohibited from using social media - besides WhatsApp - while subject to his bail conditions.

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Freeman’s case has attracted political attention as he campaigned for the pro-Palestine independent candidate in Leicester South Shockat Adam in last month’s general election.

Mr Adam delivered one of the biggest political shocks of the election when he overturned a 22,675 majority to defeat Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth.Delivering his victory speech, Mr Adam shouted: “This is for Gaza.”

Freeman attracted significant attention during the campaign when he confronted Ashworth as he canvassed in the constituency.

He filmed the encounter, where he asked Ashworth why he did not condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.