Muslim civil society organizations are sounding the alarm about increasing state suppression of pro-Palestinian activism in Europe. At the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, French Muslim activist Elias d’Imzalene highlighted the crackdown on activists advocating for Palestine, citing his upcoming trial for calling for an “intifada in Paris.”
The conference also heard about the rise of Islamophobia in France and the persecution of activists speaking out against Israeli atrocities in Gaza. The crackdown on activists, restrictions on freedom of speech, and dissolution of organizations across Europe have raised concerns about the decline in the promotion and protection of human rights.
‘Hypocrisy rather than democracy’
Civil liberties and independence in the UK have been compromised, with arms exports to Israel continuing amidst criticisms. Addressing the conference, Shezana Hafiz of Cage international criticized the UK government’s support for arms exports to Israel despite the violation of human rights in Gaza.
With the ICJ hearing a case on genocide in Gaza and the ongoing investigation into war crimes by Israel, Muslim organizations are urging the OSCE to enforce international law. The conference serves as a platform to address the state of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in member states.