Trial Date Set for Student Accused of Racial Hatred in London

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A trial date has been set for an Oxford University student accused of stirring up racial hatred during a political demonstration in central London late last year, highlighting ongoing tensions over speech, protest and the limits of free expression. Samuel Williams, 21, denies charges that he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to stir up racial hatred at a pro‑Palestine protest in Whitehall on 11 October 2025.

According to court records, the charge relates to footage posted online showing the defendant addressing a crowd at a Palestine Coalition rally and allegedly encouraging a chant interpreted by prosecutors as racially inflammatory. The chant in question, which has circulated on social media, included the words “Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground,” an expression that some legal observers say could be construed as offensive and potentially inciting hatred against a protected group.

Williams appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday where he confirmed his identity and entered a not guilty plea to the allegation. He was granted conditional bail and told that his trial will take place on 17 January 2028, nearly two years after his initial arrest.

The student, who studies philosophy, politics and economics at University of Oxford’s Balliol College, was suspended by the university at the time of his arrest. Before attending Oxford, he was noted by former classmates at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School for strong academic performance.

Legal experts say cases of this nature hinge on whether the language used was genuinely capable of inciting hatred against a group defined by race, ethnicity or religion — a high threshold under UK law. The lengthy delay until trial reflects the complexity of preparing evidence in cases involving online content and protest activity.

The setting of the trial date marks a significant procedural step, but broader questions remain about the boundaries of lawful expression at demonstrations, particularly in politically charged contexts where speech may be provocative but falls close to legal limits.

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