The Handala Association in Belgium issued a statement condemning the Antwerp municipality for its repressive measures against the solidarity movement with Palestine. Below is the full text of the statement:
The Handala Association strongly condemns the measures taken by the City of Antwerp against the broad popular solidarity movement with the Palestinian people, which is held weekly in front of the City Hall. These measures represent a clear violation of the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, and reflect a blatant policy of double standards pursued by the municipality in an unjustified and shameful manner.
In recent days, we have witnessed how the City of Antwerp allowed Israeli organizations to hold an event glorifying the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, while at the same time restricting the activities of pro-Palestinian associations and activists and preventing them from exercising their legitimate right to peaceful expression. This unacceptable political bias threatens public order and undermines citizens’ trust in public institutions that are supposed to remain neutral.
We also strongly condemn the wave of arrests that targeted protesters during the solidarity rally on 27 October 2025, in which several activists participating in the weekly demonstration in front of the City Hall (on Monday) were detained. We call for respect for their right to peacefully express their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
What the City of Antwerp is doing cannot be considered a mere administrative error, but rather a dangerous politicization of public institutions and an attempt to turn municipal spaces into instruments serving one-sided political agendas. Such conduct directly undermines civil liberties and sets a dangerous precedent in a city once known for its openness and diversity.
The Handala Association reaffirms its full support for all forces and organizations expressing solidarity with Palestine in the city, particularly the Coalition of Institutions and Associations for Palestine in Antwerp, which continues to face repeated pressure aimed at restricting its peaceful work and undermining its activities.
The continuation of this approach will be met with broader legal and public action. We will not hesitate to use all civil and legal means available to defend our right to free expression and humanitarian solidarity with the Palestinian people, alongside active community organizations and associations.
We, at the Handala Association, categorically reject any form of double standards, as such policies sow division and contradict the values of justice and freedom that the City of Antwerp claims to uphold. We call on the municipality to immediately return to the path of law and respect citizens’ right to peaceful solidarity and free expression.
Handala Association – Belgium
28 October 2025
