A PRO-PALESTINE activist has been found not guilty of inviting support for proscribed terrorist organisations.
Natalie Strecker (50) had denied two counts of inviting support for Hamas and Hezbollah under the Terrorism (Jersey) Law 2002.
The charges related to social media posts and videos published between June and October 2024 in which she made repeated references to “the resistance”. The meaning behind this term – and whether she used it to describe Hamas or Hezbollah – formed the central focus of the Jurat trial.
Advocate Mark Boothman, defending, successfully argued the prosecution had reviewed thousands of posts but selected eight “cherry-picked” examples and said posts did not invite support for terrorist groups but expressed her personal belief that Palestinians had the right to resist occupation under international law.
After a four-day Jurat trial in the Royal Court, Ms Strecker exited the Royal Court to applause from numerous supporters.
Speaking outside the court, Ms Strecker said: “This has personally been an incredibly traumatic and dehumanising time, compounded by old wounds triggered by the manner in which I was arrested.
“I am a care survivor, a survivor of abuse because of the failings of our governments and institutions as a child, I walk out of court today with my head held high and in the knowledge that it was my character put on trial, and that I won.”
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey, director of intelligence and CI Operational Support, said: “We acknowledge the outcome of the recent court proceedings. This case, the first of its kind in Jersey, involved an allegation of inviting support for proscribed organisations, under Article 13(1) of the Terrorism (Jersey) Law 2002. The matter was brought before the courts following a complaint from a member of the public. We remain committed to investigating all reported crimes thoroughly and impartially. We would also like to recognise the joint efforts of the States of Jersey Police and the Law Officers’ Department throughout this process.”
The verdict was handed down in the Royal Court this morning.
