Palestine Action arrests raise questions around freedom to dissent
At the action earlier, 55 people were arrested, and that included an 81-year-old former magistrate. This is in addition to the already more than 100 arrests that have occurred across the country, simply for professing public support or holding up a placard in support of Palestine Action.
This is the third weekend in a row since that ban [of the group] has come into force. It’s certainly not deterring any supporters of Palestine Action from turning up and making their point.
The point that they want to make is the fact that they simply held up a banner and vocalised their support – and it’s that that can get them arrested and lead to a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
You’ve also had criticism from human rights activists, saying this is really striking a blow to civil liberties in the UK. They’re really questioning the idea of exactly how much freedom to dissent there is here.
As in previous demonstrations, protesters signalled their support for the group by holding up signs declaring: ‘I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action’
Israelis shout ‘death to Arabs’ as they attack Knesset member’s car
A car carrying Arab member of the Knesset Ayman Odeh has been attacked by Israelis in the city of Ness Ziona, south of Tel Aviv.
Right-wing activists intercepted the car as he arrived to deliver a speech at a protest in the city. Israeli activists spat on Odeh and broke the rear glass of his car, as shown in videos verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad agency.
According to Israeli media, the police were aware in advance of a demonstration at the location. The Israelis chanted “death to Arabs” while attacking the car and called the lawmaker a “terrorist”.
The Israeli police announced in a statement on X that they arrested three residents of Ness Ziona on suspicion of involvement in the assault and vandalism of the car of a deputy in the city. The police described the incident as “unusual and dangerous,” noting that they would interrogate the detainees, examine documented evidence, and identify and arrest other individuals involved.
The below video, posted by Israeli media outlet Kann, shows the incident:
Translation: Curses, smashing of a window and chants of “Death to the Arabs”: MK Ayman Odeh was attacked while in his car, on his way to a demonstration in Ness Ziona | Documentation
