Justice for Tony Greenstein

Letter to an MP on Tony Greenstein’s Trial & Democratic Freedoms

Subject: Urgent concern: freedom of expression and the prosecution of Tony Greenstein

Dear [MP’s name],

I am writing to you as a constituent of [your constituency] to express my serious concern about the impending trial of Tony Greenstein at Kingston Crown Court on 18 August 2026, and what this case signals for freedom of expression and democratic rights in the UK.

Mr Greenstein is being prosecuted under “support for terrorism” legislation for expressing political views in support of Palestinian resistance in the context of decades of Israeli occupation, apartheid, and the ongoing siege of Gaza. Regardless of one’s political position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the criminalisation of political speech sets a deeply troubling precedent.

I am not asking you to comment on the merits of this case or to intervene in judicial proceedings, but to address the wider implications for civil liberties and the use of counter-terrorism legislation.

This case appears to represent a significant expansion in the use of counter-terrorism laws to police opinion rather than prevent violence. Such laws were supposed to have been introduced to address genuine security threats, not to suppress dissent, advocacy, or solidarity with oppressed peoples. When political speech is reframed as criminal “support”, democratic freedoms are placed at risk.

The UK has long claimed to uphold freedom of expression as a foundational value. Yet cases such as this raise serious questions about whether those principles are being selectively applied, particularly where speech concerns foreign policy, human rights, or criticism of allied states.

I am particularly concerned that:

  • Political advocacy is being conflated with criminal intent
  • Counter-terrorism legislation is being used to chill lawful speech
  • The right to protest, dissent, and express international solidarity is being eroded

I therefore urge you to:

  1. Raise this issue with the Home Secretary and the Attorney General
  2. Seek clarification on how “support for terrorism” is being interpreted and applied in cases of political speech
  3. Defend the principle that freedom of expression must include views that are controversial or unpopular
  4. Publicly reaffirm Parliament’s commitment to civil liberties and democratic accountability

Silence in moments like this risks normalising a dangerous shift in the relationship between the state and political dissent. History shows that when freedoms are curtailed for some, they are eventually threatened for all.

I would appreciate a response outlining your position and any actions you are prepared to take.Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your postcode]