The erection of a statue of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti on the roof of a Palestinian centre in Bloomsbury is being investigated by Camden Council.
Barghouti is serving five life sentences plus 40 years in an Israeli prison for his alleged role in the murder of five people during the Second Intifada.
His supporters continue to campaign for his release and regard him as a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
The bronze, life-size figure is on a plinth on top of Palestine House, which is described as a “cultural embassy” for Palestinians.
Activists campaigning for Barghouti’s release took the statue to Parliament Square in June but police prevented them from placing it there.
Palestine House, set up by Palestinian filmmaker and activist Osama Qashoo, describes itself as “a living home of culture, connection, and purpose” where “creativity meets advocacy” and “every conversation, event, or project carries the spirit of resilience and heritage that defines the Palestinian story”.
A planning application submitted by the centre for a roof development – seen by the JC – did not include anything about the statue.
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of this statue and officers are investigating this.”
Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, said: “Barghouti was convicted of being behind the murders of at least five civilians in Israel, including a Greek Orthodox monk.
“These are not achievements to be commemorated with a statue.
“He is not a political prisoner. If this is the best symbol Palestine House can muster, then it reflects badly on their movement.”
Speaking about the lack of planning permission, a spokesperson for UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) said: “Camden’s failure to enforce the law in relation to this building is a disgrace. It encourages lawlessness and undermines confidence of law-abiding citizens.
“The fact that it involves highly divisive messaging, stirring up racial hatred and extolling a terrorist, only makes it worse.
“The occupier of this building is making a mockery of the council, which would have saved itself time and trouble if it had enforced the law rigorously in the first place.”
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