In a contentious case that merges activism and legality, Texas prosecutors are advocating for 10-year prison sentences for a group of activists charged with vandalism stemming from anti-Zionist sentiments.
Raunaq Alam, Afsheen Khan, and another unnamed activist were indicted for allegedly defacing Uncommon Church in Euless, Texas, with pro-Palestine stickers and the phrase “F*** Israel,” spray-painted alongside three inverted triangles. This incident occurred in March 2024, during a time when the church was publicly displaying an Israeli flag.
Recently, a jury convicted Alam of felony criminal mischief but did not uphold the hate crime enhancements. Meanwhile, Khan and the unnamed co-defendant are scheduled to face trial on September 30.
“My client’s actions were a form of political protest,” asserted Alam’s attorney, Adwoa Asante, during an interview with Hyperallergic. She highlighted the church’s strong support of the Israeli military through its various online posts.
“The act of writing ‘F*** Israel’ is undeniably political speech,” Asante added. “A protester expressing disdain for a country is exercising their right to free speech.”
Initially charged with a misdemeanor for graffiti, the situation escalated when Tarrant County District Attorney Lloyd Whelchel undertook the case, pursuing additional charges against the defendants. “From that point, everything started going downhill,” Asante remarked.
Asante argued that the state’s approach blurs the lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, conflating the political stance with religious discrimination. This trend raises concerns, particularly as the criminalization of anti-Zionist sentiments becomes more prevalent across the country.
In recent years, artists, activists, and academics have faced various levels of repression for opposing Israeli actions towards Palestinians, which numerous organizations have classified as genocidal. The conversation surrounding free speech, especially in the realm of political messaging, continues to evolve and provoke discourse.
Alam now faces potential penalties of two years in state prison alongside a significant fine, although the jury’s recommendation included five years of probation with a stipulated 180 days in county jail. Khan and the other individual still prepare to confront the charges against them.
The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) expressed both relief and disappointment, with Asante stating the organization is “elated” that the jury dismissed the hate crime allegations but remains concerned about the criminal mischief verdict. “The NLG is worried about the ongoing criminalization of those who stand against injustices faced by Palestinians,” Asante concluded.
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