Imran Khan and Partners Secures Acquittal Following “Pots and Pans for Gaza” Protest

Imran Khan & Partners has successfully secured the acquittal of two defendants charged with offences stemming from the “Pots and Pans for Gaza” pro-Palestine protest in August 2025.

The protest was held to highlight and symbolise empty kitchens, severe famine and what protesters described as the intentional starvation of Palestinians under the blockade. It began in Downing Street before making its way through Leicester Square and Piccadilly, and onto the junction of Oxford Circus and Regent Street.

 

A Section 12 Public Order condition was put in place by police. During the protest, protesters, passing members of the public and other bystanders were contained by police in London’s busy West End.

 

The defendants were arrested for assault on an emergency worker and obstructing police in the execution of their duty. Following a one-day trial at the City of London Magistrates’ Court, both defendants were found not guilty of the charges against them.

 

The case involved detailed cross-examination of Metropolitan Police officers, including scrutiny of their conduct towards other protesters and the circumstances surrounding the use of force during the incident. The case also considered what constituted deliberate and wilful obstruction of police and whether the officers were acting in the execution of their duty.

 

One of the witnesses, a refugee from Gaza who had lost members of his family, was rendered unconscious during the course of his arrest by police.

 

The case against a third defendant, who was also represented by Imran Khan & Partners, was dismissed at an earlier hearing after the CPS offered no evidence.

 

The defendants were represented by Mr Pratik Patel of Imran Khan & partners and Miss Fatima Jama of Mountford Chambers who was instructed by Imran Khan &  Partners.