Jury retires over cartoon verdict

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The jury in the case of a man accused of calling at a public demonstration for the murder of British troops has retired to consider its verdict.

Web designer Mizanur Rahman, 23, of Palmers Green, north London, has denied inciting murder and stirring up race hate during the protest.

The Old Bailey has heard he was arrested following a rally by some 300 Muslims in London this year.

The crowd was protesting at cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

The cartoons had been published by newspapers in Denmark and other European countries.

It is a matter of whether a serious crime has taken place John BurtonMr Rahman's counsel

He addressed the protest in London on 3 February on the issue of UK troops.

Prosecutors said Mr Rahman had told the crowd: "We want to see their blood running in the streets of Baghdad."

The prosecution alleged Mr Rahman had called for troops to be brought back to the UK in body bags and that he urged another 9/11 in Europe.

But Mr Rahman's counsel, John Burton, told members of the jury it was not enough for them to be "offended, shocked and distressed" by the comments.

"It is a matter of whether a serious crime has taken place," he added.

Mr Burton likened the defendant's comments to those heard at Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park.