PHOTOS: Media Selangor.
THE Palestinian Solidarity Secretariat said it is free to gather in peace and express opposition to the United States of America.
The organization, which has received support from more than 70 NGOs and organizations representing a wide range of racial, religious, and political perspectives, expressed disappointment in being treated as criminals by the authorities in a statement released today.
This comes after reports last night that approximately 100 people had begun assembling in front of Menara TH Tun Razak for a planned six-day “blockade” outside the US Embassy.
The group had intended to march to the US Embassy in solidarity with Palestine and in protest of the United Nations’ veto of efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
The protesters also regretted being blocked by the police outside Menara Tan & Tan.
According to the statement, despite attempts to negotiate, the authorities were still adamant and declined to allow them to access the road in front of the US Embassy.
The Palestinian Solidarity Secretariat stressed that the “Piket Demi Palestin” (Picket for Palestine) was a peaceful demonstration of support.
They also alleged that authorities had threatened to arrest them when they chose to remain in place until Dec 31.
The protesters had opted to put up tents and establish bases for six days along a sidewalk at Jalan Tun Razak to avoid obstructing traffic or inconvenient pedestrians.
However, they said that at 3 a.m., they were once again approached by enforcement officers from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), who asked them to take down our tents and end their picket.
They were subsequently compelled to dismantle the tents after a tussle and could only put them up again at 7.30 am while it was lightly raining.
The groups said they were asserting the right to peacefully gather and express their opposition to the US for its ongoing backing of the oppressive actions that Israel is carrying out against the Palestinian people.
“This systemic genocide has been going on for the past 75 years and 81 days; it is time we tell America that Malaysians have had enough, and we are not going to stand idly by and watch a massacre.
“We will continue our picket as planned and invite everyone to join us as a show of support and solidarity towards our Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Palestinian brothers and sisters,” it added.
-BTS Media
