A Café in Barkingside, in East London, has been reported to counter-terrorism police for displaying a poster advertising a rally organised by the proscribed terrorist group Hizb ut Tahrir.

Kebabish, at 55 High Street Barkingside, in the London Borough of Redbridge, continued to display the poster after the date that Hizb ut Tahrir was proscribed.  The poster advertised the notorious Hizb ut Tahrir “End the Occupation Now” rally which took place on 25 November 2023, outside the Egyptian Embassy, where the crowds were heard to shout for “Jihad” in response to the speakers.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has reported the café owner to the counter terrorism police.  The company which owns the restaurant is Barkingside Kebabish Ltd.

On 19 January 2024 the organisation Hizb ut Tahrir was proscribed by the UK government as a terrorist organisation. On 20 January 2024 the poster still remained up, apparently attached by Blu-Tack to the inside of the restaurant window.

UKLFI believe that by displaying the poster in his shop window, visible to the public, on 20 January 2024, the owner of the restaurant has expressed support for a proscribed organisation, Hizb ut Tahrir in breach of section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

UKLFI also consider that displaying the poster also breaches section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

At the time of proscribing the group, Home Secretary, James Cleverly said:

“Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.

Proscribing this terrorist group will ensure that anyone who belongs to and invites supports for them will face consequences. It will curb Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ability to operate as it currently does.

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s praise of the 7 October attacks and associated incidents, as well as describing Hamas as ‘heroes’ on their central website constitutes promoting and encouraging terrorism. 

Hizb ut-Tahrir has a history of praising and celebrating attacks against Israel and attacks against Jews more widely. The UK stands strongly against antisemitism and will not tolerate the promotion of terrorism in any form.

This group’s antisemitic ideology and praise of attacks against innocent civilians in Israel outlines the necessity of its proscription.”

A spokesperson for UKLFI commented: “We hope the police will ensure that those who break the law really will face the consequences.”