Ever since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, protesters have been willing to stand up and be counted, to call out Israel’s actions for what they are – genocide – “a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part” (UN definition). That task has recently become even more problematic, bringing with it the prospect of police arrest for peacefully speaking the truth. Or just for turning up and sporting a badge.
Multiple protests, multiple arrests
Over the weekend, protesters took to the streets across the country – in Edinburgh, Truro, Manchester, Bristol and London – in support of the Palestinian people. More than 100 non-violent protesters were arrested, some carried away by police officers while others were led away in handcuffs. Those arrested included an 81-year-old former magistrate and a woman in her 80s who was seen walking with a stick.
The protesters could receive up to a six-month sentence simply for wearing a badge or T-shirt, or be charged with a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, for supporting the work of Palestine Action.
Government overreaction
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action is a British pro-Palestinian protest network with the stated goal of ending Israeli apartheid. It describes its actions as “non-violent yet disruptive”. Following damage to two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton two weeks ago, the government proscribed Palestine Action as a “terrorist group” under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. As a direct result, any protester can now be arrested for being a member of the group or for showing support – even if that support is nothing more than wearing a T-shirt or badge or displaying a placard.
A request from Palestine Action’s barrister to temporarily block the government ban was refused after a High Court judge ruled the claim was “insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force”. A further legal challenge took place on Monday 21 July when co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, sought permission for a full judicial review of the proscription. Her barrister, Raza Husain KC, said the home secretary’s decision to proscribe the group was “repugnant” and an “authoritarian and blatant abuse of power”. A decision is expected on 30 July.
People are protesting, governments remain largely inactive
While the public may be protesting against Israel’s treatment of the people of Gaza, the world’s governments have been slow to speak out or to act. There seems to have been considerable reluctance to call out the genocide – even when the evidence has seemed overwhelming – and even more reluctance to impose sanctions on Israel. But hopefully, that may be about to change.
Many countries are now raising their voices and increasing their condemnation, as demonstrated at a recent 30-nation meeting in Columbia. A number of countries from the global south have agreed on measures they say will “restrain Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories”. The measures include blocking the supply of arms and a ban on ships transporting weapons.
Closer to home, yesterday the UK joined 25 international partners in issuing a statement, calling for the war in Gaza to end now. The words used in this declaration are the strongest issued so far by the UK. The statement condemned the “inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of food and water” and called on “all parties to protect civilians and uphold the obligations of international humanitarian law”. It concluded: “We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.”
Two-tier policing or governing?
However, the arrests at pro-Palestinian protests, especially when compared to police actions against far-right protesters in Essex, have again raised questions about the prospect of two-tier policing. While over 100 have been arrested for protesting peacefully, displaying banners and wearing T-shirts, violent clashes outside a hotel for asylum seekers resulted in just six arrests. That’s despite eight officers being injured, objects being thrown and police property being damaged. Thankfully, there have been no reports of anyone breaking into the hotel, though two security staff were assaulted.
The crimes committed in Essex will likely amount to little more than criminal damage or public order offences. That is not in the same league as terrorism, but perhaps in both cases the police could be forgiven for simply applying the law of the land.
What is different is the character of the law in the two cases. The law that bans protest in support of Palestine Action was brought in hastily and seemingly without proper thought for the consequences. This law, and its consequences, are entirely the fault of the Home Office, and worthy of the government’s authoritarian predecessors. It must be reversed, for the sake of British democracy and the right to peaceful protest, before it’s too late.
