On 3rd June 2024, a peaceful protest in Cardiff, in response to the on-going genocidal campaign by Israel, was turned into an attack on the civil liberties of the pro-Palestine community members by the South Wales Police (SWP). 19 arrests were made in less than 48 hours, including a 12 year Palestinian girl and a disabled activist.

The community has been left stunned by the unprecedented escalation and brutality by the SWP that was clearly orchestrated to instil fear in the activists who were predominantly from historically marginalised community groups. The concerned community members began this campaign to highlight the entirely disproportionate response to a pro-Palestine movement that has been an exemplar of civil obedience and peaceful protests. The SWP, who by their own admission are institutionally racist, set a dangerous precedent by attacking the peaceful movement.

We must stand untied to hold the SWP to account and ensure this campaign serves as a deterrent for their future conduct. We demand that the political establishment respects our right to protest.

Update highlights:

You are one of over 3,500 incredible people who have now signed the petition. A sincere thank you! Your support is appreciated. 

Statement signatories

In addition to the 121 prominent signatories to our statement, a further 34 have now expressed their solidarity. Please find the full list of new signatories at the end. Some of the noteworthy names include:

Chris Smalls - President of the Amazon Labour Union

Amrit Wilson - Author & Activist

Lindsey German - Founding member & convenor of Stop The War Coalition

Leanne Wood - Former leader of Plaid Cymru

Queers For Palestine

Manchester Palestine Action

South Asia Solidarity Group

Pro-Palestine movement in South Wales

The pro-Palestine movement is well and truly intact. Peaceful protests have continued over the past fortnight, despite apprehension of the community that remains united and focussed on helping to bring an end to the genocide in Gaza and the brutal martial law across Occupied Palestine.  The photo attached is from the weekly march in Cardiff on 8th June 2024.

Next march

The next national Welsh march for Palestine will be in Swansea, this Saturday, at 1pm on 22nd June 2024 starting at Castle Square SA1 1DW. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Senedd discussions

Heledd Fychan MS and Jane Hutt MS defended the right to protest by bringing this to the attention of the Senedd on 11th June 2024. In acknowledging the discussion, Cardiff Stop The War Coalition wrote that they 'Hope that both politicians and all Senedd Members can sign our statement calling for the charges to be dropped, affirming that political policing and politically motivated charges are not in the public interest.'

Fundraiser for legal fees

The community have shown incredible generosity by raising over £5,750 to challenge SWP and to provide legal fees support for students and community members arrested. The page has also inadvertently become a message board of support. CLICK HERE TO CHIP-IN.

Media coverage

A number of publications and news outlets have reported on the peaceful nature of the pro-Palestine protests in South Wales prior to the unprovoked police escalation as well as highlighting the appalling SWP conduct. A common theme has been the shameful racial profiling by the SWP during the arrests.

‘What more can I do?’ I hear you ask

A huge thank you again for signing this petition. It would be an incredible help if you could chip-in to the fundraiser, if you’ve not already had the chance to do so. Once done, please share the links to the petition and the fundraiser with your networks. The links are as follows: 

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/defend-the-right-to-protest

Fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/welshcommunity

Finally, if you are associated with a reputable organisation or feel your own name would add weight to the growing list of signatories, please get in touch. Co-signing our statement will help strengthen this campaign. Please email Blmcardiffandvale@protonmail.com

Thank you for the solidarity and support, which is very much appreciated by all those directly affected by these recent incidents. 

Full list of the 34 signatories:

• Chris Smalls - President of the Amazon Labour Union
• Lindsey German, founding member and convenor of Stop the War Coalition
• Leanne Wood, former leader Plaid Cymru 
• Queers For Palestine
• South Asia Solidarity Group
• Cadewyn Skelley, Plaid Cymru candidate for Cardiff East
• Left Unity
• Manchester Palestine Action
• Bethan Syed, former MS
• Amrit Wilson, Author & Activist
• Côr Cochion Choir
• The Queer Emporium
• Dyfi Valley Palestine Solidarity
• Darfur Union UK
• AUOBCymru
• BLM Wales
• Northumbria IWW Branch
• Y Pantherod
• Harmony Party UK
• Bristol Queers for Palestine
• Desolation Radio
• Cymdeithas yr Laith
• Bristol Copwatch
• Fashion Liberation Collective of N Africa
• Welsh Health Workers 4 Palestine
• Rise Up for Palestine Bristol 
• Gemma June Howell, Author/Editor
• Dr Derick Wall, Goldsmiths College
• Cymdeithas y Cymod, the Fellowship of Reconciliation in Wales
• Heddwch ar Waith, Peace Action Wales
• Cardiff Revolutionary Communist Party
• Red Poets
• West Wales Climate Coalition
• Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign