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HI ,

Protest and freedom of expression play a crucial role in protecting
democracies in times of conflict.

And yet, the actions and rhetoric [3] of many European governments risk
failing to uphold rights to freedom of expression [4] as the
Israel-Palestine/Occupied Territories war continues.

With these vital rights we are all enabled to hold our governments to
account during a crisis. They provide checks and balances on executive
overreach, and they have been hard won. We must not sacrifice these values
based on fear of dissent.

READ MORE

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In Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October, at least 1,400 people were
murdered and more than 200 taken hostage. As of 8 November, at least 10,000
people have been killed in Gaza following airstrikes by the Israeli Defence
Force (IDF). The Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, is facing
a dire humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing siege, with no access to
water, food, or medical supplies.

The unfolding horror in Gaza is fuelling profound concern in communities
around the world, and many cities have seen huge marches demonstrating
solidarity with the civilians in Palestine, and calling for an end to the
violence. We have seen both Arab and Jewish communities stand side by side,
calling for an end to the war ‘for the sake of humanity’.

The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom have introduced
restrictions in response to a stark rise in antisemitism and islamophobia,
including threats of violence against Muslims and mosques and attacks on
synagogues. Authorities have banned numerous pro-Palestine demonstrations
and detained scores of people, citing the need to prevent incitement to
violence or hatred. France and Germany, where the European Union's largest
Jewish and Muslim communities live, are experiencing particularly high
tensions. Some demonstrations were also banned in Budapest, Vienna and
several cities in Switzerland.

‘AS THE HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE CONTINUES TO UNFOLD IN GAZA AND
INCREASINGLY IN THE WEST BANK, THERE MUST BE FREEDOM TO VOICE OPINIONS AND
TO PROTEST EVERYWHERE. RESTRICTING PEOPLE’S RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF
EXPRESSION, THEIR RIGHT TO VOICE ANGER, FRUSTRATION, AND ANGUISH, THEIR
RIGHT TO SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE SUFFERING AND SPEAKING OUT AGAINST
VIOLENCE, UNDERMINES THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF A WELL-FUNCTIONING
DEMOCRACY. GOVERNMENTS MUST PROTECT THESE RIGHTS.’

– SARAH CLARKE, DIRECTOR OF ARTICLE 19 EUROPE. 

Protection of freedom of expression and the right to protest is an
essential part of a functioning democracy, and protest is often one of the
most effective tools available for marginalised individuals and groups to
successfully advocate for change.

We are increasingly seeing these standards compromised by the reactions of
governments in Western democracies. This trend must cease.

Read more about protecting rights [2] at a time of war:

READ MORE [2]

READ MORE ABOUT ARTICLE 19’S #FREETOPROTEST [5] CAMPAIGN

[6]

DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT FOR JUSTICE

Why give to ARTICLE 19?

Throughout history, the right to freedom of expression has been a driving
force for positive change. From challenging oppressive regimes to
advocating for equality and justice, it's through our voices that we bring
about progress.

When you donate to us, you're not only supporting our mission but also
safeguarding your own right to have a say in the world.

SUPPORT ARTICLE 19 [6]

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