Press Release

13 June 2025

All Charges Dropped Against Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa

Following nearly five months of legal uncertainty, all charges against Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa, relating to the national demonstration in London on 18 January 2025, have been dropped by the police.

The investigation had centred on alleged breaches of Section 14 of the Public Order Act. However, the police have confirmed that no evidence was found to support the charges.

“Over the past years, we have witnessed increasing attempts at obfuscation and political intimidation, but despite these we will continue to advocate for justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.

Mr. Patel expressed his gratitude to his legal representative Mr Tayab Ali of Bindmans Lawyers for robustly challenging these unfounded accusations.

He also urged the authorities to drop charges against all those unjustly charged.

We are on the right side of history and our struggle for justice and freedom continues.

Ismail Patel