The repression of solidarity with Palestine continues in Europe, with the use of excessive force, intimidation and censorship among the most common restrictions, according to a new briefing from the European Civic Forum (ECF).
One year on from the Hamas attacks against Israel and the start of Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, and with violence escalating in the region, the ECF is renewing its call for European governments and EU institutions to uphold international human rights standards by respecting the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and association, and by pushing for an immediate and permanent ceasefire across the region.
A pattern of unprecedented restrictions
Since 7 October 2023, people across Europe and around the world have continued to come out onto the streets and organise in their communities to demand an end to the violence and injustice, and for their governments to act to uphold human rights and international law.
Over the past year, the European Civic Forum has documented the widespread and continuing repression of these acts of solidarity on its Civic Space Watch platform. This includes a detailed analysis, referenced in the European Commission’s Rule of Law report, which found that protests had been banned in at least 12 EU member states. The latest update, released today, documents events between May and September 2024.
A persistent pattern is the use of excessive force against protestors, including minors, in violation of UN OHCHR standards. In one recent example, video footage shows German police beating and dragging a protestor, and leaving him unconscious for 20 minutes without administering first aid.
In another, Belgian police used water cannon against demonstrators outside the Israeli Embassy, resulting in several injuries, including one protester who required eye surgery.
Intimidation, harassment and the detention of protestors has also been widespread. In Belgium, at least 70 people involved with the student movement at the Université Libre de Bruxelles received summonses from the Brussels police related to their activities in the university encampments, following complaints by ULB authorities. 12 NGOs, including Amnesty International Belgium and the Ligue des droits humains, have raised concerns over the measures.
In Italy, police reportedly searched the apartments of those who participated in a solidarity march in Tuscany outside the US consulate.
Expressions of solidarity with Palestine have also been censored. For example, in Portugal, on 25 July, during a Europa League match between Sp. Braga and Petah Tikva, the police removed a Palestinian flag being waived by fans. International standards say that waving a flag – any flag – is a form of expression and freedom of political expression that should enjoy maximum legal protection and should not be restricted.
Commenting on the ongoing restrictions, ECF’s Aarti Narsee said:
“European governments continue to crack down on those standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
If EU leaders are serious about protecting democracy, they should refrain from double standards, condemn these repressions at the highest level and ensure that member states uphold international human rights standards – at home and abroad”
In light of these alerts, we strongly urge European governments to adhere to their international legal obligations and safeguard the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. It is imperative that authorities refrain from resorting to excessive force and instead prioritise the preservation of democratic principles and space.
You can read our latest analysis, including an interactive map, here.
Media Contacts:
Benjamin Goodwin, Communications and Campaigns Officer: bgoodwin@civic-forum.eu
Aarti Narsee, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer: anarsee@civic-forum.eu
About the European Civic Forum
European Civic Forum (ECF) is a pan-European network of more than 100 associations and NGOs across 30 European countries.
Founded in 2005 by our member organisations, we have spent nearly two decades working to protect civic space, enable civic participation and build civil dialogue for more equality, solidarity and democracy in Europe.