In response to the arrest of a woman in Belfast today for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan ‘We are all Palestine Action’, Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“The arrest of a protester in Belfast today under UK terrorism legislation is outrageous.

“Peaceful protest is a basic human right. Many people are justifiably angered by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and are concerned about UK complicity. Under international human rights law, they have every right to voice their concerns.

“The individual who joined a Refugees Welcome rally in Belfast was not promoting violence, and it is wholly disproportionate for the PSNI to treat her as a terrorist.

“UK terrorism laws pose a serious risk to free expression. Rather than targeting peaceful protesters, the Government should be taking swift and decisive measures to end Israel’s genocide.”

International law

The UK has an international obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Under international law, protest speech can only be criminalised if it incites violence, hatred or discrimination. In the case of today’s protest, wearing a t-shirt and peacefully stating support for Palestine Action cannot be treated as an example of incitement.