About this Event
On 7 October 2023, Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups launched coordinated attacks into Israel which resulted in the killing of over 1, 000 people and the abduction of 250 hostages.
The state of Israel has since responded with a military action that has resulted in the deaths of at least 41,000 Palestinians, countless others wounded and 1.9 million displaced.The freedom of expression is recognised in human rights treaties, including those that apply to the UK, and in the Human Rights Act; many people see it as vital for democracy and accountability.
However, the discourse surrounding Palestine and Israel has sparked contentious debates about the boundaries of free speech. Since 7 October, there has been a sharp increase in reported incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Condemnation of Israeli state policies and expressions of solidarity with Palestinians have been met with accusations of hate speech and even legal repercussions.
Courts in the Netherlands and Germany have considered the legality of slogans used in demonstrations, and in the UK educators have raised concerns about a potential increase in the number of children reported for counter-terrorism interventions under the controversial Prevent strategy.
This event will explore the complex interplay between freedom of expression, the Prevent strategy, and how criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war and expressions of solidarity with Palestine are treated under the law in the UK. We will examine how instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights protect the rights of people in the UK, and where these protections fall short. Join us to discuss the impact of the law on this vital subject.
Speakers
- Mira Hammad, Barrister at Garden Court North Chambers
- Dr. Layla Aitlhadj, Director and Senior Caseworker at Prevent Watch
- Tessa Gregory, Partner at Leigh Day
- Waleed Sheikh, Partner at Leigh Day
- Sarah St Vincent, Executive Director of Rights & Security International
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Leigh Day, 27 Goswell Road, London, United Kingdom
USD 0.00
