News / protest
More than 100 gather against ‘another catastrophic war’ in Iran
“Turn rage into resistance”, one speaker said at an “emergency rally” that saw people of different faiths, origins and cultures unite to call for peace in Iran and Palestine.
More than 100 people gathered near Cascade Steps on Monday evening for the rally organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, in response to growing reports of violence in the Middle East.
Also present at the rally were Green Party councillors Abdul Malik and Mohamed Makawi, with Malik urging those present to “say no to another catastrophic war, the dehumanisation of Iranians, and the silence of our government.”
is needed now More than ever
Reports of Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran have intensified and received growing international attention after the US bombed three alleged nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday.
In retaliation to the bombings, Iran targeted a US base in Qatar on Monday, with Iran’s representative to the UN council insisting that Israel had been promoting a “deceitful and false narrative” about their country.
A sense of purpose filled the air as the crowd urged for the freedom of Iran and Palestine
Similar concerns echoed among those gathered in Bristol, as many took centre stage and addressed the crowd.
Being married into an Iranian family, co-founder of Bristol Apartheid Free Zone, Matt Hollinshed said he had many memories of holidays in the “incredibly beautiful place” Iran.
He added: “At the moment they’re trying to tell us that Iranian people include totally repressed women who are cowed by the regime. But let me tell you, Iranian women are a force to be reckoned with.
“On the other side, they want to tell us that Iran is this massive threat to people. The Iraninan people love, they love guests coming to Iran and they want to show the world that Iraninan people are just like everybody else.”
On Saturday, prime minister Keir Starmer said that Kneecap’s performance at the Glastonbury festival was not “appropriate”
A professor from University of Bristol said that she was pleased to see so many people turn up for the rally but “sad that we have to keep doing this”.
On Monday the UK home secretary confirmed that pro-Palestinian activist group, Palestine Action will be proscribed under the anti-terror law. Many speakers at the rally in Bristol condemned this move and said such restrictions “were a deliberate attempt to criminalise solidarity and isolate grassroots movements”.
The speaker further added that such instances could mean that anyone supporting Palestine could be “branded a terrorist”.
Many also opposed the terrorism charge against Irish hip hop Kneecap member, Mo Chara in May, after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah.
Israel’s strikes on Iran began on June 13 which according to Human Rights Activits News Agency has since claimed lives of more than 900 people. Counter-strikes from Iran, as reported by Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service, are believed to be responsible for the deaths of more than 20 people.
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All photos: Rob Browne
Video: Karen Johnson
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