Activists Charged with Hate Crimes Over Anti-Israel Graffiti

Texas prosecutors have sought 10-year prison sentences for activists accused of anti-Zionist graffiti. The defendants, Raunaq Alam, Afsheen Khan, and another individual, allegedly defaced a church with pro-Palestine stickers and “F*** Israel” spray-painted, accompanied by inverted triangles. The incident occurred at Uncommon Church in Euless in March 2024, where an Israeli flag was present. Alam was convicted of felony criminal mischief but acquitted of hate crime charges. The trials for Khan and the unnamed co-defendant are pending.

Alam’s attorney, Adwoa Asante, emphasized the act was political protest, indicating the church’s public support for the Israeli military. Initially a misdemeanor graffiti charge, it escalated when state-appointed prosecutor Lloyd Whelchel pursued the case, accusing Alam of anti-Jewish discrimination by conflating Zionism with Judaism.

The increased criminalization of anti-Zionism in recent years has sparked concern. Similar incidents include charges against individuals for vandalizing homes of Brooklyn Museum leaders with protest graffiti, using symbols some consider Palestinian resistance. Alam faces up to two years in prison with probation and jail time recommended; Khan and another await trial.

The National Lawyers Guild expressed relief over the hate crime acquittal but criticized the mischief conviction, urging caution against repressing those opposing acts deemed genocide in Palestine.