Palestine protest arrests show how priorities in wrong order
The Scottish Greens have called for an urgent review of the UK Government’s proscription of Palestine Action, following news that 12 people have been charged with terrorism offences after attending a demonstration outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh.
The charges relate to a peaceful demonstration on Regent Terrace on 31 October, where protesters gathered to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and the UK Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action.
Scottish Greens justice spokesperson Maggie Chapman MSP said:
“It is deeply disturbing that people who have taken to the streets to peacefully protest against genocide are now finding themselves facing terrorism charges.
“We should all be alarmed by the idea that holding a placard or wearing a T-shirt at a peaceful demonstration could result in someone being investigated and charged under terrorism legislation.
“The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression are fundamental to our democracy. They should be protected, not undermined by laws that are being used to criminalise people for speaking out against injustice.
“We also must not forget that there are international arrest warrants out for senior Israeli politicians and clear evidence that war crimes have been committed by the Israeli state.
“The UK Government must urgently review its decision to proscribe Palestine Action and take steps to lift this deeply concerning ban.”
Maggie added:
“Whatever people think of the tactics used by Palestine Action, there is a clear distinction between peaceful protest and terrorism. Treating people who express political solidarity as a terrorist threat is a dangerous precedent that should concern everyone who values our democratic rights.
“Labour ministers cannot claim to support human rights and freedom of expression while overseeing a system that sees peaceful demonstrators facing terrorism charges.
“Rather than using terrorism legislation against people protesting Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, the UK Government should be taking meaningful action to end its complicity, including ending all arms sales to Israel.
“The UK Government must change course, end the proscription of Palestine Action and ensure that the fundamental right to peaceful protest is protected.”