Why it matters:
The daring protest highlighted growing will of U.K. protesters to voice their support to Palestine, exposing government actions against demonstrators and sparking wider conversations about free speech and political repression.
The big picture:
The activist climbed the Elizabeth Tower—home to Big Ben—at Westminster Palace, the heart of Britain’s political establishment. His protest condemned the arrests of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the U.K. and accused the government of suppressing free expression. The act drew thousands of online viewers and a vocal crowd on the ground, despite police efforts to disperse supporters.
What he’s saying:
“Democracy is dead,” he declared, criticizing the U.K. government for blocking peaceful demonstrations and persecuting Palestine advocates.
He vowed to be a voice for those jailed for supporting Palestinian rights, stating that “people doing what the government should be doing—opposing genocide—are being imprisoned.”
The activist said British authorities are intimidating Palestine supporters by threatening job losses and imposing restrictions on protests.
Key points:
- Emergency responders eventually brought him down, with his legs injured and bleeding, after nearly 17 hours at the landmark.
- The police arrested him immediately upon reaching the ground.
- Protesters gathered near Big Ben and later moved to Downing Street, demanding an end to the U.K.’s support for the Israeli regime.
Go deeper:
The incident has fueled debate over the U.K.’s stance on Palestinian solidarity protests, with the Israeli regime's supporters expressing outrage. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian activists see it as a defining moment in their fight against state suppression.
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Mojtaba Darabi
