CHANTS of “justice for Natalie” filled the air outside the States police headquarters yesterday as a pro-Palestine activist was charged with offences under the Island’s terrorism law.
Natalie Strecker, who describes herself as a human rights campaigner and has been involved with the Jersey Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said she was left in “complete disbelief” at the charges and stressed that she would fight to clear her name.
Ms Strecker was arrested in November after the States police received a complaint – with the force confirming yesterday that a 49-year-old woman had been charged with offences under Article 13(1) of the Terrorism (Jersey) Law 2002, which relate to “inviting support of a proscribed organisation”.
“She has subsequently been released on conditional Centenier’s bail and will appear at the Magistrate’s Court on 6 February 2025,” the police statement continued. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
Before heading into the police station, Ms Strecker – visibly distressed – acknowledged the support of a number of Islanders who were protesting outside.
In a statement, she said: “It is with complete disbelief that I confirm that I have been charged with two offences under Jersey’s ‘Terrorism Law 2002’ for allegedly ‘inviting support for a proscribed organisation’.
“I cannot say much at this stage, but I will say that I absolutely refute these allegations and will fight to clear my name.”
She continued: “It is terrifying that this year, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of our liberation from Nazi occupation and reflect on the sacrifices our grandparents made to achieve our liberation and protect our freedoms, that I, a human rights defender and aspiring pacifist, face charges for advocating for another people subject to occupation and untold suffering.
“I remain firm in my commitment to the recognition and application of international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights, which seems to be under increasing threat. Our ability to freely express ourselves is a fundamental part of any democracy and our right to do so is being undermined by this weaponisation of legislation.”
She added: “Thank you to all those who have expressed their support. I am eternally grateful to each of you.”
