In a resounding victory for free speech and Palestinian activism, a tribunal has ruled that the UK Home Office wrongfully revoked the student visa of Dana Abu Qamar, a 20-year-old Palestinian studying at the University of Manchester, over her pro-Gaza remarks. The landmark decision sets a crucial precedent, validating the right to voice support for Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation without being labeled an extremist.
Home Office Fails to Prove “Not Conducive to Public Good”
The dual Jordanian-Canadian citizen found herself in the crosshairs of authorities after participating in a university demonstration on Gaza’s historical resistance to Israel’s “oppressive regime” and a subsequent interview with a major news outlet. In her comments, Abu Qamar expressed a mix of fear and pride over Gaza’s active resistance, stating, “For 16 years Gaza has been under blockade, and for the first time they are actively resisting, they are not on the defence, and this is truly a once in a lifetime experience”.
Despite her clarification that she was seeking to support lawful Palestinian resistance to occupation and does not condone violence against civilians or support Hamas, the Home Office revoked Abu Qamar’s visa in December 2023. However, the tribunal found that the government failed to demonstrate her presence was “not conducive to public good” and deemed the decision a “disproportionate interference with her protected right to free speech” under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Tribunal: Support for Palestinian Cause ≠ Support for Hamas
In its judgment, the tribunal emphasized the “clearly recognised and fundamental distinction between supporting the Palestinian cause and supporting Hamas and their actions”. It found no evidence that Abu Qamar expressed specific support for Hamas or their activities. The ruling also noted that her references to Israel as an “apartheid” state align with views held by human rights organizations and that informed observers would recognize her language of “actively resisting” and “broke free” as relating to lawful acts of Palestinian resistance.
“This ruling validates the right to voice support for human rights for the plight of Palestinians and the right to resist occupation.”
– Dana Abu Qamar
Political Interference and “Chilling Message to Activists”
Court documents revealed that former immigration minister Robert Jenrick personally inquired into revoking Abu Qamar’s visa, shocking the student and indicating a broader issue of politicized immigration and security decisions. Abu Qamar, who has lost 22 relatives in Israel’s war on Gaza, described the government’s actions as a “brutal crackdown” that made her feel like she was “losing everything in one second” simply for supporting her people’s right to resist occupation.
The 20-year-old warned that this political interference sends a “chilling message to activists” and reflects the dire situation in Gaza, where her relatives remain trapped in what she calls “hell on earth.” Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 43,000 Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
Precedent-Setting Victory for Palestinian Activism and Free Speech
Abu Qamar hailed the tribunal’s decision as an important precedent, asserting that it “validates the right to voice support for human rights for the plight of Palestinians and the right to resist occupation”. She reiterated that she has never and will never condone harm to innocent civilians, as it goes against her personal character and views.
This landmark ruling marks a significant victory for free speech and Palestinian activism in the UK, making clear that advocating for Palestinian rights and resistance against Israeli occupation cannot be equated with extremism or support for terrorism. As the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to claim lives and ignite global debate, the case of Dana Abu Qamar serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the right to speak out against oppression and injustice, even in the face of political pressure and retribution.
