Greater Manchester Police are actively attempting to criminalise pro-Palestinian protest in Manchester. In the 3 weeks since the end of their ban on the regular Saturday picket of Marks and Spencer in Market Street, they have seized a Palestinian flag on the grounds that a police officer found it "offensive", seized 2 placards because they had "Victory to the Intifada" written on them and allowed Zionists to hound, abuse and harass picketers with impunity claiming that this was acceptable behaviour on a public demonstration. The picket, which calls for a boycott of M&S because of the store's political and financial support for the Israeli state, has taken place weekly since the start of the Intifada in Sept 2000. Chief Constable Michael Todd banned the picket for 5 weeks over Christmas under the Public Order Act, a ban which is now subject to Judicial Review. Nine people were arrested in December when they attempted to continue the protest. GMP actions since then show that they have dropped any pretence at impartiality. We demand an end to this censorship, and an end to the attempt to criminalise lawful protest in support of the Palestinian people.
Defend the Marks & Spencer Picket Campaign (07816547066)
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