🚨 LIVE: Tousi TV Reporter In Court For Crime Of Journalism

Brief Summary:
This video covers the court case of TCTV reporter Nak Gorbani, who is facing legal action in the UK for his work as an independent journalist. The episode details the challenges faced by new media reporters, the specifics of Nak's arrest and court hearing, and the broader implications for press freedom and free speech in Britain. The host, Maya Tusi, provides updates, reactions, and commentary, highlighting concerns about increasing restrictions on non-mainstream journalists and the erosion of civil liberties.

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1. Introduction: The Attack on Journalism

The video opens with Maya Tusi welcoming viewers to TCTV and immediately addressing what she calls an "attack" on TCTV reporter Nak Gorbani. She frames the situation as not just an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern:

"An attack by the state, by the establishment and by the police."

Maya explains that over the past year, UK police have made things "very difficult for new media journalists, independent reporters and many others." She highlights two main problems: increasing restrictions on independent journalists and the government's use of power against dissenting voices.

Nak Gorbani, nicknamed "Mr. Banana Man," is known for reporting from protests in London, often going to places where others cannot. However, he faces targeting not only from political opponents but also from the police, who have now taken him to court.

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2. The Arrest and Court Hearing

Maya provides a direct update from Nak, who describes his experience with the police:

"Let's see how the police plan to justify holding me for 42 hours and try to get the conviction out of it."

Nak emphasizes the severity of his treatment:

"Apparently, human rights doesn't actually apply if you are one of us. Basically, anybody who's new media who's not leftwing."

Maya then introduces Mark Burbeck from AFI UK, who was present at the court. Mark explains the background of the case:

• The incident occurred on March 18, 2025, during a demonstration at UCL where Francesca Albanese was speaking.
• There were about 80-100 anti-Israel protesters and a pro-Israel counterprotest.
• Nak attended as a journalist, calmly filming the event. Protesters tried to block his filming, but he did not retaliate.
• Police enforced a Section 14 ruling, confining protesters to specific areas. Nak was told to join the pro-Israel area, even though he had no protest signs or attire.

Mark highlights a key issue:

"The only thing that he had to indicate that he was protesting was, on the police's opinion, the fact that he was Nia Corbani. In their view, they had seen him before. They knew who he was."

He stresses the implications:

"They're implying that wherever he turns up simply because he's Neo Gulbani, he is now a protester. Which is obviously ridiculous."

The defense in court argued this is about freedom of speech and the right to cover events as a journalist. Mark also notes that the anti-Israel group pressured the police to remove Nak, and the police complied:

"It is pretty shocking and damning that the police went along with this and basically did the bidding of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign."

The case was not finished in one day and will continue in September.

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3. Restrictions on Independent Journalists

Maya discusses the special restrictions placed on Nak and other independent journalists:

• Nak is required to wear a press bib and carry a press pass, even though UK law does not mandate this for journalists covering protests.
• Police often impose spontaneous restrictions and conditions on the day of events, which are not always lawful.
• Nak is not allowed to have items like flags in his bag, even the Union flag, as it could be perceived as provocative.

Maya points out the double standard:

"Other journalists don't have to wear that, but he has to."

She also notes that these restrictions are part of a broader pattern targeting those "countering the Islamist threats and the threat from the left."

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4. Nak Gorbani's Statement and Community Support

Nak released a heartfelt statement after the first day in court:

"Today was one of the hardest days of my life in the UK. For the first time ever, seven police officers testified against me in court trying to get me convicted. And to do so, they were even willing to lie under oath. It was a difficult day, but I swear I will not give up. I must win these cases, not just for myself, but to prove to all of you that what the police say, not only about me, but about others, too, can sometimes be not only completely false, but deliberately fabricated."

He continues:

"No one should be falsely accused or have their character destroyed in the public eye only to be abandoned afterwards. I see myself as a small representative of a wider community. With full respect for the law, I will not allow lies to be told to the public or minds to be poisoned. Everyone deserves the right to see the truth and decide for themselves."

Nak thanks his supporters, especially Mark Burbeck and Graham, for standing by him in court.

The live chat is filled with messages of support and concern, such as:

"Prayers for Nyak and everyone in the UK fighting for the truth."

"This is so effed up it's not funny. I truly hope NAK comes out okay and I pray for all of you in the UK because you are in serious trouble and unfortunately we in Australia are next."

Maya responds that the issue is not just about truth, but about freedom of expression and the right to do your job.

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5. Broader Context: Free Speech, Media, and Political Trends

Maya discusses the wider implications for free speech and media freedom in the UK and beyond:

• She criticizes the mainstream media and politicians for ignoring these issues, quoting politicians who claim, "Yeah, you know, we have free speech. Everything's perfect. Everything's fine."
• Nak's notoriety began when he held a sign saying "Hamas are terrorists" nearly two years ago, which brought him into the spotlight and made him a target.
• Maya points out the double standards in how journalists are treated, noting that leftwing journalists like Owen Jones can both protest and report without issue, while Nak is penalized for similar actions.

She also references similar issues in other countries, such as Canada, and notes the trend of governments introducing more authoritarian regulations, especially regarding online speech.

"They're going to be basically telling you what you can or can't say."

The discussion turns to the Online Safety Act and the petition to repeal it, which has quickly gained over 44,000 signatures. However, Maya explains that such petitions are largely symbolic and rarely lead to real change:

"Petitions, government petitions in the UK have no legal powers. They can't really force change."

She also touches on the problems with the UK's political system, including the lack of genuine representation and the tribal nature of party politics.

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6. Calls for Reform and Final Reactions

The video wraps up with further discussion about the need for systemic reform in the UK, including the voting system and the structure of political representation. Maya argues that proportional representation alone won't fix the underlying issues if people continue to vote based on party loyalty rather than candidate quality.

Supporters urge Maya and her team to keep fighting for free speech:

"Maya, keep standing up for our freedom of speech. We need dedicated journalists like you and your team."

Maya reassures viewers that TCTV will continue its work, supported by a global network.

She encourages viewers to download the TCTV app to stay informed and access more content.

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Conclusion

The video paints a vivid picture of the growing challenges faced by independent journalists in the UK, especially those who do not align with mainstream or leftwing narratives. Nak Gorbani's court case is presented as a symbol of the broader struggle for press freedom, free speech, and fair treatment under the law. The episode ends with a call for solidarity, vigilance, and continued advocacy for civil liberties in the face of increasing state control.