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Blogger to face trial over song questioning the Holocaust
Alison Chabloz accused of posting "grossly offensive" video online
December 15, 2016 12:24
Alison Chabloz accused of posting "grossly offensive" video online
December 15, 2016 12:24A blogger accused of calling Auschwitz a “theme park” and gas chambers a “hoax” appeared in court today after a Jewish charity brought a private prosecution against her.
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 Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, which said it decided to do so after the Crown Prosecution Service did not press charges.
The video allegedly involved Chabloz performing a song to the camera, which 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 [sic] have no realisation, you shall pay, all the way, until the break of day."
Chabloz, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, denied improper use of public electronic communications network.
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 her plea of not guilty.
She smiled and waved at her supporters in the full public gallery.
District Judge Shenagh Bayne set a trial date for March 24 next year.
Prosecutor Jonathan Goldberg QC, who is acting pro bono for the CAA, 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 antisemitic hatred.
"Even though the fact is this phenomenon has grown enormously within our society at alarming proportions."
He added: "The present charge is the absolute tip of the iceberg of what this defendant does on the internet. She is the most prolific poster of antisemitic material.
"The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism has done large research on her.
"Last year she gave a performance at the London Forum which is itself a neo-Nazi group."
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 Charlesworth, Glossop, Derbyshire, was granted unconditional bail.
