Protest is not Terrorism

Chaotic scenes unfolded on 30 July outside the London court which had been scheduled to hold hearings for 1500 people charged during Lift the Ban actions protesting the proscription of Palestine Action. Police arrested people for attempting to read a poem and set up a stage threatening charges under the Terrorism Act and section 45 of the Serious Crime Act, Defend our Juries said.

Hundreds joined the protest which marked an escalation in Defend our Juries’ campaign of defiance over the proscription of Palestine Action.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries added:

“As people entered the court building they were presented with fliers addressed to “To Whom It May Concern” notifying them that the hearings were adjourned to October. There was no explanation either for the adjournment or for the failure to notify people in advance.

”As the police were aware, between 12 noon and 1pm there were to be songs and poems  in solidarity with the people of Gaza. This part of the day did not concern Palestine Action.

”A police officer asked for the event to be staged on the far side of metal railings, which was agreed to.

”As people began to set up a small podium for the poems and songs, the police moved in, handcuffed them and arrested them, either for Terrorism Act s.12 or the Serious Crime Act s.45 (the police mentioned both provisions).

”A woman tried to get the attention of the crowd to let them know the poems and songs would proceed even without a podium and without amplification (which the police seized too).

”A police officer was heard to say, “She must be an organiser”. She was not an organiser, she was simply trying to get the crowds attention so that the poems and songs could be heard.

”The police arrested her too.

“A second woman began reading a poem. She was also arrested.”

”At that point the message was clear. Anyone attempting to address the crowd would be arrested. Since those planning to sing poems and songs did not want to be arrested, this part of the day had to be abandoned.

*It was a chilling example of the chilling effect of the proscription.”

What you can do:

• Pass a motion in your union branch – use our resources here