Posted: 31st January 2025
Rightly there is considerable concern over the aggressive policing witnessed by so many at the Palestine protest on 18 Jan. Last Saturday’s Defend the Right to Protest rally was packed, with over 600 people in attendance and many unable to get tickets as the venue was full to capacity.
Watch Chris Nineham’s speech at the rally by clicking the button below.
We are clearly not alone. Over 50 cross-party MPs and Peers from six parliamentary groups, along with independent MPs, have written to Home Secretary calling for an independent inquiry into the policing of the 18 Jan protest. They have been joined by a host of trade union leaders who urge the government to repeal the anti-democratic anti-protest laws - laws that not only undermine our democratic right to demonstrate but also to take industrial action.
It is crucial we come together and campaign to defend all those unjustly arrested and demand that the charges against them are dropped, including the charges against two of the leaders of the Palestine movement, Chris Nineham (StW) and Ben Jamal (PSC).
We must resist this ’repressive and heavy-handed policing’ not only so we can continue demonstrating in solidarity with Palestine, but also to ensure our rights to protest and assemble are not eroded. The draconian Public Order Act – legislation deliberately designed to clampdown on peaceful protest – must be repealed.
What you can do to help
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