UK
CPS may face judicial review after declining to prosecute ‘Nazi salute’ JW3 protester
One woman said she had seen a Nazi salute directed at her, according to the Telegraph
November 2, 2025 12:41
One woman said she had seen a Nazi salute directed at her, according to the Telegraph
November 2, 2025 12:41The Crown Prosecution Service could be facing a judicial review over its decision not to prosecute pro-Palestinian protesters outside an Israel conference at JW3 in London last year after a woman complained she had been subjected to a Nazi salute.
According to the Telegraph, an application for a review challenging the failure to bring charges has been brought on behalf of two people who alleged they faced harassment at the demonstration.
In a witness statement seen by the newspaper, a 69-year-old fashion designer said that one of the demonstrators had made “what I understood to be a Nazi salute – a raised arm that I recognised as ‘Sieg Heil’. I was shaken by his conduct and felt this was directed at me personally.”
She “felt violated, intimidated and scared,” the newspaper reported.
The conference, which was staged in October last year by the left-wing Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz, featured former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has been highly critical of the current Israeli government over its policy in Gaza.
The Telegraph said the woman and a 29-year old businessman, who had reported facing chants such as “globalise the intifada” at the protest, have instructed lawyers to apply for the review.
The businessman was quoted as saying: “As well as being incredibly distressing, particularly in light of the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack, it’s hard to believe this was an isolated mistake.
“It raises real concern that there may be a broader pattern – or even internal guidance – resulting in Jewish complainants being wrongly denied recognition as victims.”
The CPS told the Telegraph: “This matter is currently subject to a judicial review. While this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Between 50 and 150 demonstrators, many masked, chanted slogans such as “baby killers not welcome here” outside the conference, the JC reported last year. One elderly woman openly wept at the confrontation.
In December, Jeremy Dein KC, wrote to the Metropolitan Police to argue that there had been “substantial and extensive grounds” for police intervention.
Alleging that multiple offences had been committed by demonstrators in clear view of officers, he said a “mob-like atmosphere” could have been avoided if police had enforced the law.
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