Three Masked Men Shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘Free Palestine’ Outside UK Pub — What They Allegedly Did Next Left Landlord in Shock

Three hooded and masked men pulled down two Union Jack flags outside a pub before setting them on fire while shouting “Allahu Akbar”, “Free Palestine” and “F*** the UK”, a court has heard.

Prosecutors say the three men had gathered with a fourth person in a nearby alley before the flags were burned. The prosecution described what happened as an alleged “attack on the British people”.

Zaid Sami, 21, and Nour Sami, 20, both from Feltham, and Omar Sukkar, 21, from Isleworth, are accused of racially aggravated criminal damage in connection with the incident outside The Fox pub in Twickenham.

All three men deny the charge and are standing trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Prosecutor Mark Mullins told the jury that the incident happened shortly after 6pm on October 23, 2023. He said the prosecution believes the defendants were motivated by hostility towards British people.

According to the prosecution, four young men were involved when two Union Jack flags were pulled down from outside the pub and later set on fire.

The court heard that while the flags were burning, people in the group were allegedly heard shouting “Allahu Akbar”, “Free Palestine” and “Stop bombing children”.

CCTV footage shown as part of the case allegedly captured Omar Sukkar climbing onto a noticeboard beneath one of the flags. Prosecutors say Zaid Sami removed another flag and that damage was caused to the poles and their fittings.

Witnesses later reported smelling a strong burning smell coming from a nearby alley, where the flags were allegedly set on fire.

The incident happened just over two weeks after Hamas carried out its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which was followed by the war in Gaza.

Mr Mullins told jurors about the political situation at the time, including statements made by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

The landlord of The Fox, Paul Brace, told the court that the Union Jack flags were an important part of the pub and surrounding street.

He explained that flags were regularly displayed in the area, including during major sporting events such as the Six Nations. He said he viewed the Union Jack as a symbol of the country and something that should be displayed with pride.

Mr Brace said he was in his flat above the pub when his deputy manager contacted him in distress and told him that men had been pulling down the flags and damaging their poles.

He followed them towards an alley and said he saw four people gathered around the flags.

According to his evidence, members of the group appeared to be passing around what looked like a lighter while attempting to start a fire.

Mr Brace told the jury that he smelled burning material and heard several voices saying “Allahu Akbar”.

He considered confronting the group but decided against doing so.

A recording of his 999 call was played to the jury. During the call, Mr Brace told the emergency operator that he did not know whether what was happening was related to terrorism.

Jurors were also shown what remained of the two flags after they had been burned.

Police arrived shortly afterwards and detained the three defendants. A fourth person allegedly involved was not detained at the scene.

The prosecution said comments about Gaza and Israel continued to be made after the three men were detained.

Another witness, Peter Lawlor, who had been drinking outside the nearby Eel Pie pub, told the court that he saw four young men shortly before the incident.

He said one appeared to be wearing an Arab-style scarf, while others had masks or hoods covering their faces. According to Mr Lawlor, he heard one person say: “F*** the UK.”

Prosecutors allege that the defendants were acting together.

Mr Mullins told jurors that although Nour Sami was not allegedly seen personally pulling down the flags, the prosecution claims he encouraged the others and acted as a lookout.

The prosecution argues that statements allegedly made by members of the group, together with the destruction of the Union Jack flags, demonstrate hostility towards British people.

Mr Mullins also claimed that anger over Britain’s position on Israel provided the context for what happened that evening.

However, these claims remain allegations being considered by the jury. Zaid Sami, Nour Sami and Omar Sukkar have all pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated criminal damage.

The trial continues.