Your rights have not changed.

Posted: 20th October 2023

Over the last several days, there have been dozens of protests across the UK in response to the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

In the same period, people in positions of power have come down hard on the right to protest and freedom of expression.

If you’re planning to protest, make sure you know your rights.

Liberty has produced an online guide, with specific information for protests relating to the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Those protesting the occupation of Palestine and oppression of Palestinians have been subject to hostile policing and hostile rhetoric from prominent politicians. Meanwhile, we have seen a sharp rise in abuse targeted at racialised groups in society.

Earlier this week, Suella Braverman wrote a letter to police chiefs urging them to crack down on behaviours that are normally legitimate – like waving a flag. She further asked them to consider charging people with terrorism offences.1

In London, some were arrested simply for refusing to remove a keffiyeh – a traditional scarf associated with the Palestinian national cause.2 In Manchester, a video shows someone being arrested for breach of the peace, allegedly for wearing a Palestinian flag.3

As freedom of expression and protest comes under intense pressure from those in positions of power, we want to be very clear: your rights have not changed.

If you are protesting this weekend, make sure you know your rights. Read and share our online guide to protest rights today.

If you are planning to protest, please look after yourself and others.

And if you want to help Liberty produce more urgent human rights guidance like this, please consider becoming a member today.

Best wishes,

Akiko Hart

Interim Director

References

1. Police chiefs asked to protect communities from provocations [Home Office]

2. Black Protest Legal Support UK [Twitter/X]

3. The UK establishment is using war to attack protest at home [openDemocracy]