Some 3,000 people gathered in Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Avenue yesterday (Tuesday) evening in protest of the amendment to the Defamation Law, which passed its first Knesset reading on Monday.
The protest, came on the heels of an initiative proposed by right-wing Knesset members, which aims to increase the maximum compensation paid for libel violations to NIS 300,000 (roughly $80,500) – six times what it is today – regardless of proof of damage.
Demonstration, Tuesday evening, in Tel Aviv. Sign reads, “The right won’t silence me.” (Photo: Activestills)
Knesset members warned that the amendment would erode Israel’s democratic space and violate the freedom of the press. MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) stated in the rally that the bill aims to “persecute the minority that can contradict the majority’s decision – including the journalists, human rights organizations, and women. Protesters held torches and red flags and shouted: “Bibi, Bibi, you’ve gone too far – Israel is not Iran” and “The Right is running wild.”
“Today’s protest is for those who believe in democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of press, equality and the rule of law,” one of the demonstration organizers asserted.
Protesters clashed with police after a demonstration against a string of anti-democratic legislative initiatives recently brought forth in the Knesset. Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the headquarters of the ruling Likud party, blocking King George Street in the center of the city. Police sprayed the protesters with pepper spray and at least one person was arrested.
Protesters, many wearing masking tape or masks over their mouths to symbolize the repression of freedom of speech, railed against what they called the extreme right-wing government, chanting “When the left gets together, the right gets frightened!” and “The response to the legislation – revolution!” and the main refrain: “No-confidence!”
Related:
Libel law the latest of several pieces of legislation intended to stifle dissent in Israel
Israeli government shut down israeli palestinian radio station
Israeli journalists hold urgent meeting on defending freedom of press
Mk Khenin: netanyahu leading assault on democracy
Israeli government back bill to limit funding for human rights groups
