Court to Hear Appeal of Activists Convicted of Inciting Terrorism
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
The legal center "Adalah" has invited media to cover an appeal hearing on November 1, 2026, in Haifa for activist Mohammed Taher Jabareen and lawyer Ahmed Khalifa. They were convicted of indirect incitement to terrorism and identifying with a terrorist organization following a protest in Umm al-Fahm on October 19, 2023. "Adalah" argues the chants do not constitute incitement and that the conviction infringes on freedom of expression.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An appeal hearing for activists Mohammed Taher Jabareen and Ahmed Khalifa is set for November 1, 2026, in Haifa.
- The activists were convicted of indirect incitement to terrorism and identifying with a terrorist organization.
- The charges stem from slogans chanted at a peaceful anti-war protest in Umm al-Fahm on October 19, 2023.
- Legal center "Adalah" is challenging the conviction, arguing it infringes on freedom of expression.
- "Adalah" contends the chants have been used for decades without being deemed incitement.
The legal center "Adalah" has called on journalists and human rights advocates to attend and cover an appeal hearing scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the Central Court of Haifa. The hearing will address the appeal filed against the conviction and sentencing of activist Mohammed Taher Jabareen and lawyer Ahmed Khalifa.
The case stems from a peaceful anti-war demonstration against the Gaza conflict held in Umm al-Fahm on October 19, 2023, during which Jabareen and Khalifa chanted political slogans. On April 29, 2026, the Haifa Magistrate's Court convicted them of "indirect incitement to terrorism" and "identification with a terrorist organization," while acquitting them of "direct incitement to terrorism." The court issued its sentence on June 22, 2026.
"Adalah" is challenging the conviction and sentence, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the chants, which it stated have been heard in political demonstrations for decades, constitute incitement to terrorism or pose a real risk of leading to a terrorist act. The appeal also addresses what the center described as selective application of the law against Palestinian demonstrators, the impact of the conviction on freedom of expression and protest, and the constitutionality of the criminal provisions used by the court.