Darul Ihsaan Barking Hosts Panel on Hamas De-proscription and Legal Strategies Against Zionism

Monday 2nd June, 2025

Darul Ihsaan Barking Hosts Panel on Hamas De-proscription and Legal Strategies Against Zionism

86 Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8SF | www.darulihsaanbarking.org.uk Barking, 1st June 2025 — Darul Ihsaan Barking hosted a bold and thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the legal application to remove Hamas from the UK’s list of proscribed organisations. The event aimed to deepen public understanding of the case, examine its implications for international justice, and assess whether such a move could help bring an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The panel also addressed broader legal strategies being used to confront Zionism and challenge oppressive policies through lawful means. 

Speakers included:

• Fahad Ansari, solicitor and director at Riverway Law
• Daniel Grütters, barrister at One Pump Court Chambers
• Dr Asim Qureshi, research director at CAGE International

Throughout the evening, the panel faced robust and respectful challenges from attendees, prompting a dynamic and engaging debate. Attendees questioned the legal, political and ethical dimensions of the deproscription effort, offering alternative views and pushing the speakers to clarify their positions. 

Why This Matters

Darul Ihsaan Barking held the event as part of its commitment to open civic dialogue. “Just because something is illegal,” a spokesperson explained, “it does not make it morally wrong. The application draws parallels with the treatment of the ANC and Nelson Mandela who was once designated as a terrorist by the British government, and argues how circumstances – and government policy – can change. We are not promoting Hamas or any other group, as was evident from the questions posed to the lawyers from attendees, and we believe that it is in the interests of any  thriving democracy for there to be space for difficult conversations that grapple with the law, justice and global power dynamics.” 

Statement from Imam Ammaar, Chair of Trustees

“This event is freedom of speech in action. Difficult conversations are necessary for society to grow, and we’re proud to provide a platform where they can happen in a respectful and informed way.”

 

Comment from an Attendee

“It challenged my thinking. I didn’t agree with everything said, but it gave me the tools to better understand the legal complexities and form my own opinion.”

 

Learn More

We encourage the wider public to explore this issue further and engage with the legal arguments, ethical questions and human impact surrounding the case. Only through informed discussion can meaningful change take place. 

For media inquiries, please contact: info@daruIIhsaanbarking.org.uk