Hi {contact.first_name},

Protest and freedom of expression play a crucial role in protecting democracies in times of conflict.

And yet, the actions and rhetoric of many European governments risk failing to uphold rights to freedom of expression as the Israel-Palestine/Occupied Territories war continues.

With these vital rights we are all enabled to hold our governments to account during a crisis. They provide checks and balances on executive overreach, and they have been hard won. We must not sacrifice these values based on fear of dissent.

In Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October, at least 1,400 people were murdered and more than 200 taken hostage. As of 8 November, at least 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza following airstrikes by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). The Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, is facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing siege, with no access to water, food, or medical supplies.

The unfolding horror in Gaza is fuelling profound concern in communities around the world, and many cities have seen huge marches demonstrating solidarity with the civilians in Palestine, and calling for an end to the violence. We have seen both Arab and Jewish communities stand side by side, calling for an end to the war ‘for the sake of humanity’.

The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom have introduced restrictions in response to a stark rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, including threats of violence against Muslims and mosques and attacks on synagogues. Authorities have banned numerous pro-Palestine demonstrations and detained scores of people, citing the need to prevent incitement to violence or hatred. France and Germany, where the European Union's largest Jewish and Muslim communities live, are experiencing particularly high tensions. Some demonstrations were also banned in Budapest, Vienna and several cities in Switzerland.

‘As the humanitarian catastrophe continues to unfold in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, there must be freedom to voice opinions and to protest everywhere. Restricting people’s rights to freedom of expression, their right to voice anger, frustration, and anguish, their right to show solidarity with those suffering and speaking out against violence, undermines the fundamental tenets of a well-functioning democracy. Governments must protect these rights.’

– Sarah Clarke, Director of ARTICLE 19 Europe. 

Protection of freedom of expression and the right to protest is an essential part of a functioning democracy, and protest is often one of the most effective tools available for marginalised individuals and groups to successfully advocate for change.

We are increasingly seeing these standards compromised by the reactions of governments in Western democracies. This trend must cease.

Read more about protecting rights at a time of war:

Read more about ARTICLE 19’s #FreeToProtest campaign

Why give to ARTICLE 19?

Throughout history, the right to freedom of expression has been a driving force for positive change. From challenging oppressive regimes to advocating for equality and justice, it's through our voices that we bring about progress.

When you donate to us, you're not only supporting our mission but also safeguarding your own right to have a say in the world. 

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