Algerian Radio
Activists and organizations in solidarity with Palestine have called for a rally this Tuesday in Paris to demand the withdrawal of a bill aiming to silence voices critical of the Zionist entity and those in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
"While the fight against anti-Semitism and all other forms of racism is a grave and serious subject that should mobilize the entire population of our country in unity, MP Yadan is weaponizing and diverting it to turn it into a weapon against our freedom of expression," stated the National Committee for a Just and Lasting Peace (CNPJDPI), demanding its "immediate withdrawal."
"This law must not pass," supported the Urgence Palestine collective, which is already the target of unjust and disproportionate repression. "Let us mobilize at the very moment it is being examined at the National Assembly," meaning January 20 at 1:00 PM, added the collective, which is currently threatened with dissolution.
This bill, which claims to "aim to fight against renewed forms of anti-Semitism," worries activists as well as human rights and freedom of expression defenders, as it equates criticism of the Zionist entity with anti-Semitism. In practice, it muzzles any criticism of the Zionist entity and its policy.
Slogans such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," "For the total liberation of Palestine," "Disarm the Zionist entity," and even "Free Palestine" could, according to the draft law, represent a criminal offense punishable by 5 years in prison and a 75,000 euro fine. Activists are also calling on every individual to contact elected officials and members of the Law Commission to demand that they oppose this law.
