Former Heathrow Security Officer’s Discrimination Case Dismissed; Begins Internship at HM Courts and Tribunals

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 19, 2026

Former Heathrow security officer Zara Saiyed, whose discrimination claim over being asked to remove a Palestine-flag badge was dismissed, has begun a three-month internship with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service. This position marks a new phase in her legal career following a high-profile workplace dispute tied to freedom of expression and identity.

A former Heathrow Airport security officer who filed a discrimination claim after being asked to remove a Palestine-flag badge from her staff lanyard has begun an internship with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service following the dismissal of her case.

Zara Saiyed, an aspiring lawyer, initiated legal action against Heathrow in response to the request to remove the badge, which she compared to being instructed to remove a hijab. The dispute originated in November 2023, shortly after the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023 that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Saiyed was challenged by a colleague regarding the badge, and she filed a formal grievance the following day. She maintained that the flag represented a vital part of her identity and beliefs, and she accused Heathrow of being “complicit in the killing of Palestinian babies.”

Her employment tribunal claim was dismissed in June after the panel found her allegations unsubstantiated, describing Saiyed as “prone to hyperbole” and concluding that she had constructed an inaccurate narrative. The tribunal unanimously rejected all of her claims, stating that while Saiyed sincerely believed her assertions, these were contradicted by contemporaneous evidence.

Shortly after the ruling, Saiyed announced via LinkedIn that she had commenced a three-month internship with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service, part of the Ministry of Justice. The agency oversees the administration of employment tribunals, which handle workplace dispute claims. It is reported that the internship was offered to her on the same day she received notice of her case dismissal.

Reflecting on her experience, Saiyed framed the transition as a personal growth opportunity, writing that what initially felt like a career setback had become the start of a new direction. She emphasized her commitment to resilience and learning amid adversity.

Details on the specific nature of Saiyed’s internship have not been disclosed. The move underscores a broader engagement with the legal system following a highly publicized dispute over workplace expression and discrimination claims at one of Britain’s busiest airports.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.