Sa Muslim Jewish Bodies Condemn Arrest Of Pro-palestine Activist

South African religious institutions Muslim Judicial Council MJC and South African Jews for a Free Palestine SAJFP both condemned the arrest of pro-Palestine activist Uzair Mohamed, who was detained during a peaceful demonstration on Human Rights Day in Cape Town, reports Cape town Etc .

Mohamed, the leader of Cape Town Intifada - a Palestinian solidarity organisation and local non-profit company tackling the liberation of Palestine, Congo, Sudan and the Cape Flats, was allegedly arrested as part of a sharp escalation in the suppression of pro-Palestinian activism in Cape Town, according to the SAJFP.

On Friday, 28 March, our long-time comrade Uzair Mohamed was arrested without charge. Scrambling to justify the unlawful arrest, the cops targeted Uzair for wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is not illegal - in fact, about two weeks ago the SAPS protected masked and armed CSO officers as they harassed peaceful activists protesting a Zionist conference in the city, the SAJP said in its statement .

While it is not illegal to arrest someone without a warrant, the arresting officer must either have witnessed an offence taking place or have reasonable suspicion that one was committed. In this case, the arrest was clearly unlawful.

According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, Mohamed was detained after he was found to be in possession of two flares during the demonstration.