Muslim Activists Raise Concerns Over European Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism
During the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, Muslim civil society organizations from various European countries expressed alarm over the increasing government crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism. They denounced the suppression and criminalization of protests supporting Palestine, highlighting arrests, restrictions on freedom of speech, and dissolution of organizations.
Activists voiced concerns over the disproportionate impact on Muslim communities and called for greater awareness and support to ensure their voices are not silenced. The Muslim organizations criticized global institutions and European countries for failing to hold Israel accountable, urging the OSCE to enforce mechanisms to compel adherence to international law.
French activist Elias d’Imzalene, representing Perspectives Musulmanes, condemned France for spearheading Islamophobia and discrimination in Europe. Other representatives echoed the sentiment, denouncing the neglect of human rights and endorsing accountability for actions taken against pro-Palestinian activists.
As the conference aims to evaluate democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the activists called for action to prevent the erosion of fundamental rights in the face of ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.