As with those of the rest of the world who hold innocent human lives sacrosanct and inviolable, the Lewisham Islamic Centre condemns the unprovoked, cold-blooded murder of the Palestinian Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, and attempted killing of her producer Ali Samoudi by the brutal Israeli terror squad, the IDF.
We are further disgusted by Israeli forces attacking mourners at Shireen’s funeral! The faux outrage purported by the so-called “International Community” and whitewashed reporting of Shireen’s murder by media defenders of press freedom vis-à-vis Israel’s – and only Israel – despicable actions are beyond nauseating.
The UK government would do well to remember days like these before requesting The Monarchy to announce proposed laws to prohibit BDS, peaceful demonstrations against Israel’s flagrant and inveterate violations of international law, norms and customs. Such laws are a glaring threat to freedom of expression and the ability of public bodies and democratic institutions to spend, invest and trade ethically in line with international law and human rights. We have seen the effectiveness of BDS with the Ukrainian conflict. Why, oh why, then the continued partisan aversion by Nation States to the brutal realities of decades old Israeli occupation of Palestine? Justice matters and so does accountability. Shireen Abu Akleh believed this and her life and precious voice for the voiceless was snuffed out with impunity.
Lastly, we encourage all to attend the planned demonstrations in support of Palestine this weekend. With one voice, say it loud, “PALESTINE WILL BE FREE!”.