British Pub Flags Burned in Alleged 'Attack on British People,' Court Hears

Three masked men tore down and burned two Union Jack flags outside The Fox pub in Twickenham, London, while shouting slogans including 'Allahu Akbar' and 'Free Palestine,' Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard. Prosecutors described the incident, which occurred on the evening of October 23, 2023, as an 'attack on the British people' motivated by hostility toward British citizens.

The three defendants, Zaid Sami, 21, Nour Sami, 20, and Omar Sukkar, 21, have all pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated criminal damage. The prosecution alleges the trio gathered with a fourth man in a nearby alleyway before setting the flags ablaze.

Prosecutor Mark Mullins told the jury that CCTV evidence showed Sukkar climbing onto a noticeboard to reach one flag, while Zaid Sami removed the other. Both allegedly damaged the poles. Witnesses reported a strong, acrid smell from burning nylon in the alleyway shortly afterward.

The court heard the incident took place just over two weeks after Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel. Mullins noted that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had publicly stated Israel's right to defend itself in speeches on October 19 and October 23, the same day as the flag burning.

Pub landlord Paul Brace testified that the Union Jack flags were a source of pride and part of the street's character. He described being alerted by his deputy manager and seeing four figures in an alleyway with a lighter. He reported hearing 'Allahu Akbar' shouted by multiple voices and smelled burning plastic.

During the 999 call, Brace told the operator he did not know if the incident was 'terror-related.' Police detained the three defendants shortly after arriving, though a fourth suspect escaped. The court heard the men made further comments about Gaza and Israel after their arrest.

Peter Lawlor, a witness who had been drinking at a nearby pub, told the court he saw four men shortly before the incident. He recalled one wearing an Arab-style scarf, two wearing masks, and another with a hood. He also reported hearing one of them say, 'F*** the UK.'

Mullins argued that Nour Sami, though not seen directly damaging the flags, was acting as an encouragement and lookout. He asserted that the defendants' motivation stemmed from hostility towards British people, evidenced by their shouts and comments, and that Britain's support for Israel prompted their actions.