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For Immediate Release:Press Statement issued by Media Review Network on the abuse of power by police officials against Palestinian solidarity activists in Pretoria. 

Media Review Network joins the call by #Africa4Palestine to condemn the abuse of power by members of the SA Police who intervened in the most brutal and unprofessional way to violently disrupt a peaceful protest at Loftus on Sunday afternoon. 

The protest action in solidarity with Palestine’s freedom struggle against Zionism’s illegal settler colonial regime formed part of a country-wide campaign known as #RedCardIsrael, was a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness during the Malawi – South Africa soccer match. 

Members of SAPS who moved in to disrupt the solidarity event had no reason to forcefully and violently deny activists their constitutional right to peaceful protest. 

We are informed that the abuse of power led to the unjust and irregular arrest of a number of activists as well as the confiscation of #RedCardIsrael T-Shirts while several others were pepper-sprayed. 

We agree with #Africa4Palestine that the use of excessive force is an unacceptable assault on democratic freedoms enshrined in the country’s Bill of Rights. 

We call on the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu to ensure that abuse of power by members of his force is investigated, and disciplinary steps are taken against those who violated the rights of the protesters. 

We also demand the immediate release of activists unjustly detained and the return of banners, T-shirts and all other property belonging to the #RedCardIsrael campaign. 

We find it incredible that the Ministry of Police has to date failed to apprehend hundreds of South Africans deployed in Israel’s genocidal army in direct violation of the country’s laws, but in contrast act with might and force to silence voices advocating justice for Palestine. 

Surely the time is overdue for law enforcement authorities to be in step with the government’s efforts at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable for horrific war crimes and genocide. 

Solidarity activism for Palestinian human rights needs to be supported, protected and promoted – not criminalised as occurred at Loftus Versfeld today. 

#RedCardIsrael is a crucial campaign to raise awareness among soccer players, fans and administrators about the dire situation faced by Palestinians at the hands of the apartheid regime. 

As a grassroots movement it has a just cause which we at Media Review Network endorse and support to amplify the call on FIFA to suspend Israel’s membership.

Iqbal Jassat

Executive Member

Media Review Network

Johannesburg

South Africa

 

Iqbal Jassat
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