Michigan - The American Center for Justice (ACJ) expresses its deep condemnation and concern regarding the measures taken by several European countries to prevent the individuals from exercising their right to demonstrate, express their opinions, and peaceful assembly in favour of supporting Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip who are subjected to continued military aggression by the Israeli army.

The American Center monitored that a number of European countries had imposed restrictions, and bans, and in some cases, there were interference by security forces and authorities to prevent demonstrations and marches. They even suspended and arrested some protesters who support Palestine.

The ACJ notes that while there are no restrictions or bans on pro-Israel demonstrations, the pro-Palestine demonstrations were held under heavy police guarding and violent intervention by them. Furthermore, police forces in a number of countries used tear gas, issued warnings to anyone who deviates from designated routes to demonstrate that they would be arrested.

The Center followed with deep regret the prevention of demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people by many European countries in light of the current events in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the ACJ affirmed that these measures suppress the supportive and solidary human voice and contradict the principles of democracy that call for the right of individuals to express their opinions freely.

The British Police tightened its security measures after some groups marched to Trafalgar Square and the vicinity of the embassy following the end of the march in support of Palestine, and there was tension between the police and the demonstrators. The London police later announced, in a statement following the demonstration, the arrest of 15 people during the solidarity march with Palestine, and they also arrested a metro driver yesterday for chanting in solidarity with Palestinian civilians.

Although British Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced on October 11 that waving the Palestinian flag might not be legal in some cases in the country, many demonstrators were seen carrying Palestinian flags.

Pro-Palestine demonstrations in France have been repeatedly banned by local authorities in Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon and Marseille, claiming that they pose a risk of disrupting public order. The security forces arrested 13 people in Strasbourg, 4 people in Marseille, and one person in Lyon, carrying Palestinian flags and wearing the keffiyeh around their necks. The authorities also imposed fines on a total of 752 people, while pro-Israel demonstrations were allowed in the French cities of Paris and Strasbourg.

As for the German capital, Berlin, it has also witnessed a ban on demonstrations in support of the Palestinians since October 11, as the police asked the demonstrators to leave the square in front of the historic Brandenburg Gate, under the pretext that the demonstration was prohibited. While the activists stated that the decision to ban the demonstration was not published online, they requested to see the written copy of the ban. On the other hand, the authorities banned a demonstration that was scheduled to be held last week in Berlin, at a time when about 750 people participated in a demonstration in the city of Frankfurt, where the police briefly stopped 100 people under the pretext of identity verification.

As for the Netherlands, it witnessed the arrest of 3 people who participated in a pro-Palestine demonstration held in the capital, Amsterdam. Nearly 15,000 people participated in the demonstration, and they gathered in a square in Amsterdam and before marching towards the west of the city. The course of the demonstration was changed under pressure from the Dutch authorities, while officials in the Palestinian associations that organized the demonstration expressed their disappointment about changing its course.

The ACJ emphasizes that preventing demonstrations and restricting citizens’ freedom of expression is a clear violation of democratic values and human rights that are at the heart of the principles of justice and freedom.

The American Center for Justice (ACJ) calls on European countries to adhere to international human rights standards, guarantee the right of citizens to express their opinions and demonstrate, and ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also urges those countries to abide by their moral and humanitarian duty and put pressure on the Israeli authorities to spare civilians the scourge of the ongoing military attack on the Gaza Strip, which targets infrastructure, health centers, women and children.