Blogger, 52, 'who posted a grossly offensive and anti-Semitic song on YouTube' denies hate crime charge brought by a Jewish charity in a private prosecution
15 December 2016
A blogger accused of calling Auschwitz a 'theme park' and gas chambers a 'hoax' appeared in court today in what is believed to be the first private prosecution in the UK for anti-jewish racism.
Alison Chabloz, 52, is accused of posting a 'grossly offensive' video, called 'Survivors', online on June 8 this year.
The prosecution has been brought by the charity the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, which said it decided to do so after the Crown Prosecution Service did not press charges.
The anti-Semitic 'phenomenon' has 'grown enormously' in the UK, a court heard.
The video allegedly included lyrics such as 'Did the Holocaust ever happen? Was it just a bunch of lies? Seems that some intend to pull the wool over our eyes', according to the charity.
The clip also included lines such as 'Now Auschwitz, holy temple, is a theme park just for fools, the gassing zone a proven hoax, indoctrination rules', the charity claims.
Other lines are said to have been: 'History repeats itself, no limit to our wealth, thanks to your debts we're bleeding you dry.
'We control your media, control all your books and TV, with the daily lies we're feeding, suffering victimisation.
'Sheeple have no realisation, you shall pay, all the way, until the break of day.'
Chabloz, who is also a musician, is charged with improper use of public electronic communications network, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today to enter a plea.
Wearing a black fur jacket, black jeans and with short brown hair, she spoke only to confirm her name, age and address, and to enter a plea of not guilty.
She smiled and waved at her supporters in the full public gallery during the hearing, which consisted mostly of older men and women.
District Judge Shenagh Bayne set a trial date for March 24 next year.
Members of the charity, whose chairman Gideon Falter was present claim it is the first private prosecution of its kind in the UK.
Outside court, member Stephen Silverman said: 'I believe it is the first private prosecution of its kind in the UK.'
Prosecutor Jonathan Goldberg QC said: 'We act pro bono for a charity called the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism.
'As you know, there is a charge laid present against this defendant under the Communications Act of 2003.'
Mr Goldberg told the court: 'The very reason this charity is making an example of this case is because of their disappointment that the Crown Prosecution Service have investigated 15,442 cases in recent times, but only 12 of those cases have involved anti-Semitic hatred.
'Even though the fact is this phenomenon has grown enormously within our society at alarming proportions.'
An application by the defence to adjourn the case, on the grounds it was a 'malicious prosecution', was rejected by the judge.
Kevin Lowry-Mullins, defending, said: 'I have invited the Crown Prosecution Service to take over this prosecution, and to discontinue it.
'But before they can review the case, they may have to have representations from parties if they so wish.
'That application is made on behalf of the defendant, and I would submit that it is a proper application to make because we say, the defence say, this is a malicious prosecution.
'In the first place, the police were investigating the matter. It has been taken out of the hands of the police.
'The private prosecution stems from the fact the police have not made a decision yet.'
Mr Goldberg said: 'I would strongly object on behalf of my clients. First is the suggestion this is a malicious prosecution - with great respect, there is no finding for that.'
He said there was a six-month window to bring a prosecution, and 'it seems to us that the police would now be out of time'.
Chabloz, of Glossop, Derbyshire, was granted unconditional bail.