07mobile) GALLOWAY DECISION: CRIMINALIZING DISSENT

07mobile)

GALLOWAY DECISION: CRIMINALIZING DISSENT

(The following article is from the April 1-15, 2009, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $25/year, or $12 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $25 US per year; other overseas readers - $25 US or $35 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

People's Voice Editorial

The federal government's decision to bar British Member of Parliament George Galloway from entering Canada marks a frightening escalation of the war on free speech. This act is the latest stage in a drive to criminalize opposition to the apartheid state of IIsrael for its crimes against the people of occupied Palestine.

     University administrations have banned posters, refused to allow Palestine solidarity groups to book rooms, and taken formal action against student activists. Many Canadian media outlets act as propagandists for Israel, whipping up hatred against Palestinians and Muslims, and against peace and solidarity movements which refuse to remain silent on these issues. The labour movement has been a particular target of this campaign, especially sections of CUPE which take strong and principled positions in support of the global campaign for boycott, disinvestment and sanctions against Israel.

     It is becoming virtually forbidden for elected members and candidates of the larger political parties to express sharp criticism of the Israeli apartheid state. The latest example is in British Columbia, where Mable Elmore, a trade union activist with a solid record of leadership in the anti-war movement, was condemned by her own party's leadership for her criticisms of Israeli policy after winning the NDP nomination in Vancouver-Kensington in the May 12 provincial election.

     We condemn the decision to bar George Galloway, and this dangerous campaign against free speech. Growing numbers of Canadians stand in solidarity with Palestine, and criticize Israel for refusing to abide by United Nations resolutions and for its violations of international law. The right to express such views must not be characterized as de facto criminal activity. It is the responsibility of every labour and democratic movement to resist this war against our fundamental civil rights.