The prosecution of Marieha Hussain, a 37-year-old teacher and pro-Palestine activist from High Wycombe, under the guise of combating racial aggravation stands as a significant case in the UK’s political and legal landscape. Charged with a racially aggravated public order offence for depicting then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman as “coconuts” on a placard during a November 2023 protest, Hussain’s case epitomises the erosion of civil liberties under the previous Conservative government. While her eventual acquittal in May 2024 offered a sense of relief, the timing and context of the prosecution reveal much about the political environment and its approach to Palestine solidarity activism.
The decision to prosecute Hussain – known for her passionate advocacy for Palestinian rights and critique of the UK government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict – showcased how the state manipulated anti-racist language. The term “coconut,” a pointed critique within minority communities of those perceived as disconnected from their cultural roots, was deliberately reframed as racial abuse. This case exposed a broader strategy under the Conservative government: using the veneer of racial justice to suppress criticism, particularly regarding its unwavering support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
This attempt to conflate political dissent with hate speech set a troubling precedent. It created a scenario where minority politicians, such as Priti Patel, Braverman and others, became almost untouchable – shielded from legitimate critique while being held up as symbols of diversity. The prosecution was not merely about protecting individuals from racial abuse but part a concerted effort to insulate the government’s foreign policy, particularly on Israel-Palestine, from any meaningful challenge. The acquittal, while welcome, does little to undo the chilling effect this case may have on those who seek to criticize government figures or policies.
A litmus test for UK’s democracy
The crackdown on Palestine solidarity activism is far more than a reflection of foreign policy debates – it is a critical measure of the UK’s democratic health. Under the Conservative government, Israel’s increasingly controversial actions in Gaza were met with steadfast support, and any challenge to this was swiftly and harshly repressed. Hussain’s case, while individual, is part of a campaign that included restricting pro-Palestine demonstrations, pressuring universities to cancel discussions on Palestinian rights and targeting activists by legal means.
Such actions raise profound concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in the UK. By clamping down on open dialogue about Palestine, the Conservative government demonstrated its discomfort with the potential for broader critiques – not just of Israel, but of Britain’s own historical role in global conflicts, its colonial legacy, and its ongoing foreign policy. While Labour’s ascent to power may signal a change in approach, the previous administration’s aggressive stance has left deep scars on the nation’s democratic fabric, particularly in relation to free speech and the right to protest.
Hussain’s acquittal does not erase the systematic attempts to stifle dissent. The case symbolizes the fragility of free speech protections, where criticism of government policies, especially concerning international allies like Israel, can lead to legal consequences. This fragile balance between state power and civil liberties is something the new Labour government must carefully navigate if it seeks to distinguish itself from its predecessor.
Identity politics and the illusion of progress
The prosecution of Hussain also cast a harsh light on how the previous government used identity politics to its advantage. High-profile minority politicians like Sunak, Patel and Braverman were often presented as evidence of the UK’s progress on racial equality. However, their presence in government frequently served to mask policies that continued to marginalize and disadvantage minority communities.
Far from being advocates for their communities, these figures were often utilized to defend policies that were harmful to the very groups they represented. Patel, for example, was a key figure in the Conservative government’s “hostile environment” policy, which made life increasingly difficult for immigrants and minority groups in Britain.
Hussain’s criticism of these figures, particularly using politically charged language like “coconut,” was not an act of racial abuse but a reflection of the frustration felt by many in marginalized communities. The term has a complex history within minority groups in the UK, often used as criticism or light-hearted teasing. However, its use in political discourse has been contentious, as evidenced by a 2009 case where a Bristol City Council member was convicted of racial harassment for using the term in a heated debate. The slur reflects the experiences of formerly colonized individuals and serves as a critique of those perceived as aligning with oppressors.
The prosecution revealed the lengths to which the Conservative government was willing to go to silence such critiques, demonstrating the fragility of the so-called post-racial meritocracy that it sought to project. The Labour government now faces the challenge of not only dismantling this facade but addressing the structural inequalities that persist.
Challenges for the Labour government
With the Labour government now in power, there is hope that the repression of political dissent, particularly concerning solidarity with Palestine, will be revisited. However, the shadow of the previous administration’s policies looms large. Hussain’s acquittal should not be seen as an isolated victory but as a reminder of the broader fight for civil liberties in the UK.
The convergence of domestic and foreign policies, particularly regarding race and identity, will remain a significant issue. The same government that once backed Israel’s controversial actions abroad was also responsible for policies like the “hostile environment” at home, which disproportionately targeted immigrants and minorities. This ideological alignment revealed a consistent worldview that marginalized certain groups both domestically and internationally.
Labour’s task is not merely to undo the legal excesses of the past but to foster a political environment where criticism of state policy, whether on Palestine or domestic issues, is not met with legal repercussions. Minority communities in the UK increasingly see their struggle against systemic racism as interconnected with global struggles, such as the Palestinian fight for justice. Labour must address these tactics head-on, fostering solidarity rather than division.
However, this will require more than acquittals and symbolic gestures. It demands a fundamental rethinking of how dissent, identity, and justice are handled in UK’s political landscape. The struggle for Palestinian rights, minority rights, and the protection of democracy are not separate issues; they are part of a single, interconnected battle for justice and equality.
Ashraf Nehal is a South Asia analyst based out of London.
