Shekels, Silence, and Shackled Speech

 

Shekels, Silence, and Shackled Speech

 

How Western Democracies Are Losing Their Freedom

 

By Kieran Beville

Across the democratic heartlands of the United Kingdom and the United States, a disturbing trend has emerged: the systematic suppression of pro-Palestinian protests condemning the mass violence and destruction in Gaza. Peaceful demonstrations—urgently demanding an end to what many rightly call genocide—face unprecedented legal restrictions, police intimidation, and media blackouts. This clampdown on dissent is not accidental. It unfolds amid powerful political influence wielded by foreign money from Israeli state-backed lobbyists, drowning out voices demanding justice.

Meanwhile, the erosion of freedoms of speech, assembly, and protest signals a broader crisis for democracy in these so-called liberal bastions. Yet, in this bleak landscape, Ireland stands out for its principled stance, refusing to bow to pressure and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.

The Rising Tide of Pro-Palestinian Activism

Since the eruption of intense conflict in Gaza, marked by relentless airstrikes, a humanitarian catastrophe, and widespread civilian deaths, millions around the world have taken to the streets to protest. These are not fringe gatherings; in major cities like London, New York, and Washington, crowds numbering in the tens of thousands have marched, demanding an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israel’s military operations that have devastated Gaza.

The protests reflect widespread public concern. Polls consistently show majorities in Western countries sympathize with Palestinians’ right to self-determination and oppose the violence wrought by Israeli military actions. A YouGov poll in 2024 found that 64% of Britons support calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, while a Pew Research Center survey indicated that 58% of Americans believe Israel’s response has been disproportionate.

Yet, despite this groundswell of popular opposition to the violence, governments in London and Washington have responded not with empathy or dialogue but with repression.

Laws Designed to Silence: The Criminalisation of Protest

In the UK, the government has passed sweeping legislation that effectively criminalises protests deemed “disruptive.” The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 gave police wide powers to impose conditions on protests and arrest demonstrators, even when they are peaceful. Protesters who “lock on” to structures or block roads—a common tactic to draw attention—face hefty penalties, including potential jail time.

During recent pro-Palestinian marches in London, dozens were arrested under these new laws. The police cited vague concerns about “public order” despite demonstrators peacefully exercising their democratic rights.

Similarly, in the United States, more than 40 states have enacted or proposed legislation restricting protest activities. These laws often include provisions that elevate the penalties for blocking traffic or participating in “unlawful assemblies.” Some even shield drivers who hit protesters from civil or criminal liability.

The chilling effect is palpable: activists report increased police surveillance, the threat of heavy fines, and the risk of felony charges simply for standing up against genocide. As Jamil Dakwar, Director of the ACLU’s Human Rights Programme, warned, “These laws are less about public safety and more about protecting the interests of those who want to silence dissent.”

The Shrinking Space for Free Speech

The suppression extends beyond the streets to the digital realm and public discourse. The UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 requires tech companies to remove “legal but harmful” content, a nebulous category that critics say will likely target videos and posts critical of Israel’s military campaigns or supportive of Palestinian resistance.

On social media platforms in the US, content about Gaza often faces swift removal or demonetisation. Independent journalists and activists report sudden account suspensions or censorship when exposing civilian casualties or calling for boycott campaigns.

This environment fosters self-censorship. Individuals and organisations who might otherwise speak out against genocide think twice, fearing legal repercussions or social media bans.

Foreign Money, Foreign Influence: How Lobbying Shapes Policy

At the heart of this crackdown lies an undeniable reality: the influence of foreign lobbying money, much of it tied to the Israeli government and its allies, in shaping policy and silencing criticism.

In the United States, pro-Israel lobby groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spend hundreds of millions annually on lobbying and campaign contributions. In the 2022 midterms alone, AIPAC’s affiliated political action committees spent over $30 million backing candidates supportive of Israeli policies and opposing those critical of occupation or settlement expansion.

This financial muscle deters politicians from speaking out. Progressive US lawmakers like Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib have faced vehement backlash, accusations of antisemitism, and threats simply for advocating Palestinian rights.

In the UK, groups like Labour Friends of Israel and Conservative Friends of Israel wield significant influence. While less transparent, these organisations facilitate access, campaign support, and lobbying that help maintain political consensus favouring Israel. MPs critical of Israel’s actions face pressure, isolation, and occasionally, career repercussions.

This is not about ethnic or religious identity. It is a political and financial reality where a foreign government, through its well-resourced lobby groups, shapes the discourse and policy of Western democracies—especially when that government is accused of egregious human rights violations.

When Criticism Is Branded Hate

One of the most worrying aspects of this dynamic is the frequent conflation of legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies with antisemitism. This conflation stifles debate and punishes those who dare question Israel’s military conduct or occupation.

In the UK, for example, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was subjected to intense scrutiny and eventual political exclusion amid accusations of tolerating antisemitism within his party—claims widely disputed and seen by many as politically motivated.

Similarly, in the US, criticism of Israeli policy often triggers swift condemnation and silencing efforts from both government officials and media outlets.

This creates an environment where many politicians and media personalities self-censor to avoid accusations, further shrinking the space for honest discussion about Palestinian rights and Israeli actions.

Ireland: A Beacon of Principle

In stark contrast, Ireland has taken a notable stand in defence of Palestinian rights and democratic freedoms. Reflecting its history of colonisation and struggle for independence, Ireland has been unafraid to criticise Israeli policies openly. Ireland recently passed the Occupied Territories Bill, aimed at banning imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank—an initiative grounded in international law. This has sent a clear message of Ireland’s commitment to justice.

In 2021, the Irish parliament condemned Israeli settlement expansion as “de facto annexation,” becoming the first EU legislature to do so. The then Minister of Foreign Affairs  Simon Coveney stated: “Ireland’s stance is not against Israel’s right to exist but against violations of international law and human rights.”

Irish civil society, too, has been active, with protests and vocal support for Palestinian rights, highlighting the fundamental connection between Ireland’s own history and its support for oppressed peoples globally.

Why This Matters to Democracy

The erosion of protest rights and free speech on such a critical issue is a warning sign for democracy itself. Democracy thrives on open debate, dissent, and the ability of citizens to challenge their governments.

When peaceful protesters are criminalised, when speech is censored, and when foreign money shields perpetrators from criticism, democracy’s core is at risk. The consequence is not only the silencing of Palestinians’ plight but the undermining of democratic norms that protect all citizens.

What Must Be Done

The defence of democracy and human rights requires urgent, concrete action:

• Repeal laws that criminalise peaceful protest and impose vague restrictions on assembly.
• Protect free speech, ensuring that criticism of foreign governments is not censored or punished.
• Increase transparency in campaign finance and impose strict limits on foreign lobbying and donations.
• Recognise the legitimacy of pro-Palestinian activism and stop conflating criticism of Israeli policies with hate speech.
• Support independent media and platforms that give voice to marginalized narratives.

Only by doing so can the right to protest and speak freely be restored—and with it, the democratic promise of holding power accountable.

A Moment of Reckoning

As bombs continue to fall on Gaza, and as the world watches, the actions of Western democracies speak volumes. By criminalising protest and silencing speech, the UK and US betray the very values they claim to uphold. Foreign lobbying money acts as a buffer, protecting those responsible for atrocities from scrutiny.

Yet democracy is not lost. Ireland’s example shows it is possible to stand for principle, even amid pressure. Citizens, activists, and lawmakers must demand the restoration of freedoms and a foreign policy rooted in justice, not profit.

The right to protest genocide is the right to defend humanity itself. The choice before us is stark: defend democracy and human rights, or allow them to be eroded in silence