Norway: Joint Statement on the Persecution of the Solidarity Movement for Palestine
We hereby share an unofficial translation of a joint statement published by Kampkomiteen, one of the signatories in a statement concerning the persecution of the solidarity movement for Palestine.
STOP THE PERSECUTION OF THE SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT FOR PALESTINE!
On Saturday, October 11, police attacked a legal demonstration against the Norway-Israel international soccer match. Police used tear gas indiscriminately against the demonstrators. Police stopped buses and arbitrarily pulled people out and arrested them simply because they were wearing Keffiyeh’s. Several of those arrested also report degrading treatment in custody. Several were denied medication or medical assistance. At least one of those arrested was denied access to a lawyer.
This is not the only case of persecution. In April 2024, three Palestinian activists were arrested by the Police Security Service (PST) for asking questions and shouting slogans against FrP politician Sylvi Listhaug. The three were arrested for exercising their fundamental democratic rights.
In the first trial, the prosecution stated that the purpose of the case against the three was to have a “chilling effect” on the solidarity movement for Palestine. The three were acquitted in the first trial, but after an appeal by the state prosecutor, there will be a new trial in December. If they are convicted, it will set a precedent that will limit the right to demonstrate and express oneself.
The police attack on the demonstration on October 11, the 22 arrests, and the persecution of the three Palestinian activists are attacks on the right to demonstrate and express oneself. This is part of a trend throughout the Western world, with persecution of the solidarity movement for Palestine and attacks on the democratic rights of the people.
We, the signatory organizations, consider it extremely important that all friends of Palestine stand together and do not accept attacks on any of us. We call for a united and continued struggle against the persecution of Palestine activists and for the defense of the democratic rights of the people.’
Defend the rights of the people!
Stop the persecution of Palestine activists by the police and the PST!
Support and defend the 22 arrested!
Support and defend the three Palestine activists!
Signatures:
Bergen4Palestine
Handala Foreningen
Free Palestine – Save Gaza
Rød Ungdom
Stopp NATO
Kampkomiteen
Fred og Rettferdighet – FOR
Kommunistisk plattform – marxist-leninistene
Revolusjonært Kommunistisk Forbund (RK) i Oslo
Workers Socialist Organization of Afghanistan
Internasjonale Sosialister
Motmakt
Den Sudanesiske foreningen i Norge
