Democracy and Free Speech under immediate attack - University of London seeking an injunction to criminalise protest in vicinity of universities 

On Tuesday 29th October, the University of London is applying for a court injunction to criminalise any protest in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, or anyone associated with the SOAS Liberated Zone for Gaza or the Democratise Education campaign. This is an unprecedented attack on democracy and everyone's freedom of speech, which shows how far the University of London is willing to go to silence peoples' voices. 

The proposed injunction would massively limit everyone's ability to protest, or simply hold meetings or flyering stalls on University of London land. This does not only apply to students, but also members of the general public who stand in support of the Palestine movement. This threat must be met by robust response from everyone who wants to defend freedom of speech. This is not only an attack on students; this is an attack on us all, freedom of speech and assembly, and democracy as a whole.

We have already seen rising repression, through the permanent exclusion of SOAS SU Co-President Abel, and 6 month suspensions of undergraduate students Haya and Tara. These 3 students have been personally targeted by University of London's court application, as well as an all-encompassing "persons unknown" which targets anyone connected with these movements. 

As the genocide against the Palestinian people continues and escalates, it is vital that we defend the most fundamental democratic rights of freedom of speech to build a solidarity movement. The trend of repression demonstrates that any legal rights will not be upheld but by the collective strength of our movement. We call on all people to mobilise at the Business and Property Courts, 7 Rolls Buildings, EC4A 1NL on Tuesday 29th October. Organise in all universities, workplaces and communities to stand up to this attack on democracy and our rights.