Two pro-Palestine campaigners, including a woman from the Midlands, have denied charges after allegedly leaving body bags outside the home of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
The Alleged Incident at the Foreign Secretary's Home
Cristy North, 38, from Nottingham, and Susan Houseman, 55, from Caton in Lancashire, are accused of placing what have been described as 'child-sized' body bags in front of Mr Lammy's residence in Haringey, north London. The incident is said to have occurred on April 8 last year, at a time when Mr Lammy was serving as Foreign Secretary.
The protest action was linked to the group Youth Demand, which stated the aim was to call for an end to trade with Israel. Following the incident, Metropolitan Police officers attended the scene and instructed the women to leave the area.
Not Guilty Pleas Entered Ahead of Trial
According to court documents, both defendants have formally denied the charges they face. They have pleaded not guilty to a charge of displaying a threatening, abusive, or insulting sign or writing, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, in connection with the pro-Palestine demonstration.
Furthermore, North and Houseman have also denied a charge of harassing Mr Lammy. The women did not appear in person for a brief case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 8.
Case Proceeds to Two-Day Trial
The court has scheduled a two-day trial to take place on May 26 and 27 at the same central London court. Both defendants have been granted bail pending the outcome of their trial.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions and methods of protest surrounding the conflict in Gaza, bringing demonstrations to the doorsteps of senior political figures. The court's decision in May will determine the legal consequences for the alleged actions outside the home of the now Deputy Prime Minister.
