Thousands plan peaceful protests across 18 UK towns and cities to challenge ban on Palestine Action - Salam
As-salamu alaykum. A group called Defend Our Juries is organising peaceful demonstrations in November across 18 towns and cities in the UK, calling on the government to lift the ban on Palestine Action.
They expect about 1,500 people to take part in events in places like Edinburgh, Cardiff, Oxford, Leeds, Nottingham, London, Manchester, Birmingham and others.
UK police have arrested more than 2,000 people accused of supporting Palestine Action since the ban was announced in July. Some of those detained are still in custody awaiting trial and have said they plan to begin hunger strikes this coming Sunday.
The group pointed out that police responses have differed around the UK - for example, there were no arrests in Northern Ireland but several in Scotland. Many arrests reportedly involved people holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
A Defend Our Juries spokesperson said this is about the right to protest and to speak out to the government when people believe something is wrong, and about opposing what many see as atrocities against civilians.
Over two years of fighting in Gaza have left tens of thousands dead, and many rallies across the UK have been calling for an immediate ceasefire, a stop to arms sales to Israel, and recognition of Palestinian rights.
The spokesperson also warned that the large number of cases is putting strain on the magistrates’ courts.
Palestine Action was proscribed after an alleged attack on two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in June, which authorities say caused significant damage; five people face vandalism charges related to that incident. Additionally, 24 people are due to face a trial over a break-in at the UK site of Elbit Systems in Bristol in August. Some suspects linked to these incidents plan to start hunger strikes.
Supporting Palestine Action is now treated as a criminal offence carrying heavy penalties. One of the group’s co-founders is legally challenging the decision to ban the group, and a further hearing is scheduled for late November.
May Allah protect civilians and guide leaders toward justice and mercy. Salam.
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