A protest is being organised outside Isleworth Crown Court this Friday in support of the young men who took part in the protests against the Israeli assault on Gaza during Operation Cast Lead just over a year ago.
The Stop the War Coalition, the British Muslim Initiative and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign are organising this protest. This is partly because on the last two Fridays the court has passed extremely harsh custodial sentences against the young men who took part in the protests and in most cases the sentences passed have been completely out of proportion to the alleged offence of violent disorder. Last Friday one young man of 19 was sentenced to a year in jail for simply throwing a bottle in the direction of the Israeli Embassy gate. It missed and hit a police shield but no one was hurt and now this newlywed who had aspirations of becoming a dentist has now been sent to jail. The judge conceded that he was of an excellent character and had excellent character references and bright prospects for the future but said he wanted to send a deterrent message to the rest of the community. Many feel that this message is one targeting the Muslim community and basically warning Muslims not to take part in protests in the future against Israel or anyone else.


Dear Mr. Straw,
Friday, 05th February 2010
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