In this episode, Dr Fatima Rajina is joined by Marieha Hussain to talk about her experience of the Coconuts trial. A case that saw the political activist being charged with, and eventually proven innocent of, a racially aggravated public order offence for showcasing a satirical placard labelling Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as "coconuts" prompting the fundamental question "Who has the right to police your language"?…
In November 2023, Marieha was arrested for displaying a placard labelling prominent exponents of the then-Tory government as "coconuts" during a pro-Palestine protest. According to the charges put on her, the term coconut was equivalent to a racist slur. Yet, Black and Brown activists have historically used it to call out members of their communities who aligned with colonial powers and white supremacists.
Read the background and outcome of the Coconuts case here: 'Coconuts' trial: Woman acquitted over Palestine protest placard | Middle East Eye
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Hosted by Dr Fatima Rajina
Guest: Marieha Hussain
Dr Fatima Rajina is an SLRC Legacy In Action Senior Research Fellow whose work focuses on race, dress and language. Recent publications have appeared in Sociology, The Sociological Review and Identities. Dr Rajina's book British Bangladeshi Muslims in the East End is available from Manchester University Press.
Marieha Hussain is psychology teacher, mother, and Palestine activist.
Produced by Weyland McKenzie-Witter at Nello and the People's Production Ltd
Twitter/X: @weylandmck
Web: weylandmck.com
Web: nelloandthem.co.uk
LinkedIn: Weyland McKenzie-Witter
Music: AyChibs @Aychibs
Image: And Still She Rises by Marcus Dove
Design: Angy Ebrahim
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