DEFEND THE SOAS 2: RESISTANCE IS NOT TERRORISM, DROP ALL CHARGES NOW!

MANDIRI Press Statement 17 March 2025

DEFEND THE SOAS 2: RESISTANCE IS NOT TERRORISM, DROP ALL CHARGES NOW!

MANDIRI strongly condemns the attempted criminalization of our friends in London, the SOAS 2, in what is clearly a designated effort to suppress expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement. A comrade of SOAS Fight Racism Fight Imperialism! has been charged and another has been raided and arrested, under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act  2000. 

On 4 March 2025, a student at SOAS University of London was charged with the alleged offense of inviting support for a proscribed organization. Another comrade has been subjected to a police raid and subsequent arrest. This targeted persecution is not just an attack on these individuals but the entire solidarity movement. We question the administration of SOAS 2 for its failure to defend the students. 

We believe this criminalization is a grave violation of freedom of speech and expression. The ongoing repression against those who support the Palestinian cause is both unacceptable and indefensible. We reject any attempt to equate legitimate resistance with terrorism and denounce the use of draconian laws to silence dissent.

MANDIRI from Malaysia stands in full solidarity. We urge all supporters of Palestinian self-determination to show support at Westminster Magistrates Court on 24th March at 10.00a.m to demand the drop of charges. The persecution of activists must end. Drop all charges now! From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free! 

Hani

MANDIRI