Protests are heating up across the UK as groups rally against the ban on Palestine Action, with demonstrations planned in 18 towns and cities throughout November. From Edinburgh to Cardiff, and London to Belfast, advocates are joining forces to make their voices heard. Organisers predict around 1,500 participants will hit the streets, championing the right to protest and stand against what they see as governmental missteps.
Since Palestine Action’s outlawing as a terrorist group in July, more than 2,000 people have faced arrest. This group, known for their direct actions against sites linked to Israeli defence firms, was banned after alleged vandalism incidents, including a costly attack on RAF Brize Norton.
Despite the ban, momentum is building. Supporters of the banned group currently in custody are even gearing up for hunger strikes, highlighting a deep commitment to their cause. Dr. Clive Dolphin from Defend Our Juries, the protest organisers, emphasises that this movement is about Britons opposing genocide and refusing complicity in war crimes.
The diverse approach of police forces towards this ban has sparked chaos in the magistrates’ courts, with varying degrees of enforcement across the UK. In Northern Ireland, for instance, no arrests have been reported, while Scotland has seen ten.
As the legal battles unfold, co-founder Huda Ammori is challenging the decision to proscribe the group under anti-terrorism laws, with another court hearing slated for late November. It’s a pivotal moment for activists and those standing with them, as they strive to uphold what they see as fundamental rights to protest and dissent. Keep an eye out for these demonstrations lighting up the nation next month!