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Muhammad Amin
Democratic party organisers are bracing themselves for over 100 000 pro-Palestinian protesters who are expected to gather outside its national convention in Chicago Monday demanding an arms embargo against genocidal Israel.
Delegates Against Genocide said it would protest during main events at the four-day convention, including submitting amendments to the party platform and members would use their rights as delegates to officially address the floor.
They’re also demanding the enforcement of laws that ban giving military aid to armies that commit gross violations of human rights.
“We’re going to make our voices heard,” said Liano Sharon, a party delegate who has joined 34 other delegates in signing an alternative platform to the main schedule
He brushed aside concerns at an event hosted by Chicago’s large Palestinian population that the protests might be disruptive: “I’m sorry. A convention is a political engagement vehicle, OK? And if we’re not using it for that, then it’s just a beauty pageant.”
The Harris campaign declined to comment on the group’s plans.
The Uncommitted National Movement won support from more than 30 delegates in primary elections and is demanding an arms embargo. It has tried, unsuccessfully so far, to garner a main-stage speaking slot for a Palestinian American or Gaza humanitarian worker.
It said it was not planning to disrupt the convention proceedings.
Almost as an afterthought,. convention organisers Saturday slotted in a daytime panel discussion on Arab and Palestinian issues and one on antisemitism for Monday.
Nadia Ahmad, a law professor and a delegate, said about 60 Muslim delegates had so far signed up to the Palestinian cause, a fraction of the 5,000 delegates overall.
Other activists, particularly pro-abortion protesters, are also expected and, while their agendas vary, an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is a priority they all share.
The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, say they expect at least 20,000 activists, including students from college campus protests.
The Democratic party’s draft platform released in mid-July calls for “an immediate and lasting ceasefire” in the war and the release of remaining hostages.
It does not mention the Gaza death toll of over 51 000, nor does it mention any plans to curtail US arms shipments to Israel. The United States approved $20 billion in additional arms sales to Israel last Tuesday.
Organisers of Monday’s planned-protest said the numbers outside the convention could swell to over 100,000 – twice the number expected to attend inside the hall.
The city has designated a park about a block from the DNC’s venue, the United Center, for a speakers’ stage. Those who sign up get 45 minutes.
Protesters say they learned lessons from last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and are predicting bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, America’s third-largest city. With The Guardian, Associated Press and Reuters
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