Palestine Action review can be crucial step in ending brutal anti-protest laws
Responding to news that a Judicial Review of the ban on Palestine Action in Scotland has been granted, the Scottish Greens justice spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP, said:
“The attack on Palestine Action is an attack on conscience and the right to protest. It was a deeply authoritarian and cynical move from a Labour government that has armed and supported genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
“The atrocities have taken place for all to see in real time, while complicit governments and arms companies have put profits ahead of the rights and lives of Palestinians. It is one of the most shameful chapters of this century, and those who are responsible would rather crack down on the right to protest than face the consequences of their actions.
“Since the proscription of Palestine Action came into effect, hundreds of people have been treated like terrorists for holding banners and bits of paper while Ministers have continued to cozy up to the apartheid regime in Israel. It would almost be laughable if the consequences weren’t so severe.
“My thoughts are with the protesters who have been locked up and detained without rights, including the hunger strikers who have endured terrible conditions and put their bodies and their wellbeing on the line.
“Peaceful protest and solidarity should never be a crime, and nor should defending the right of others to protest peacefully. I hope that this decision will be a crucial step in overturning this ridiculous anti-democratic law.”