CAA takes legal action against the CPS for blocking Al Quds Day march leader prosecution

CAA launched a private prosecution but, on June 28, the CPS wrote to them saying there was not enough evidence for a conviction and, therefore, they were assuming control of the prosecution and shutting it down.

CAA said it was challenging that decision on the basis that it was “irrational” and “unreasonable.”

A spokesperson said: “Our demonstration and event monitoring unit attended the parade and captured extensive video evidence, which was passed to the Metropolitan Police Service, however, the CPS declined to prosecute Mr Ali last year, leaving us with no option but to launch our private prosecution, led by Jonathan Goldberg QC.

“Moreover, having refused to uphold the law by prosecuting Mr Ali, in June, the CPS blocked us from doing so privately.”

Gideon Falter, CAA chairman, said: “This is a case that the CPS should have prosecuted itself. Our empathic legal advice is that their decision to prevent us from doing so was irrational. We hope to succeed and resume the prosecution.”

CAA is being represented by barrister Sam Grodzinski QC, with David Sonn acting as solicitor.

The CPS has been contacted for comment.