‘The real criminals are in power’ — Belfast Palestine heroes go to trial

In an era of state repression and mass murder backed by the most powerful nations on earth, it takes something special to speak truth to power. Nine Belfast activists have done just that. This February they face the full power of the genocide-complicit British state.

The Canary understands three of those charged will go on trial on 13 February. Another will be in court on 16 February and a fifth will face British ‘justice’ on 20 February.

The charges stem from two road blockades carried out on July and October 2025. In a powerful statement, the group made it clear that the real criminals are those who support Israel’s genocidal assault on Palestine.

 

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Active genocide participants

BDS Belfast pulled no punches in their statement:

Stormont and Westminster have been active participants in the genocide of the Palestinian people.

Yet, it is 9 Belfast activists, from across multiple solidarity groups, who participated in peaceful civil disobedience, who the police are attempting to criminalise.

They added:

The only thing that we are guilty of is standing for the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity.

We will not be deterred

 

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The original protests were focused on the role of the so-called ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation‘ and the Global Sumud Flotilla respectively and, more broadly, Stormont and Westminster’s support for Israel.

 

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The Canary understands the charges will range from “obstructive sitting” and “unauthorised procession”. So peaceful protest then….

The nine plan to plead not guilty to all charges.

 

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The British state would suppress every trace of human solidarity with Palestinians if it could. And it will do this at any cost to basic freedoms and rights. These activists are heroic figures. The Canary will keep you updated in the case as it progresses.

Featured image via the Canary