Imagine this: A UK-based grassroots organization, dedicated to supporting Palestinians through peaceful means, suddenly finds its bank account frozen. The reason? An investigation into a group they're not even affiliated with. This is the reality faced by the Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP).**
This story highlights a concerning trend where pro-Palestinian groups are facing financial restrictions, seemingly due to their association – or lack thereof – with Palestine Action, a direct action group. GMFP, which organizes peaceful protests and vigils, had its funds indefinitely blocked by Virgin Money. The bank offered no specific explanation, but a letter from the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, revealed that the police stated the account was frozen due to an investigation into Palestine Action.
But here's where it gets controversial: GMFP's treasurer, John Nicholson, emphasizes that their funds support humanitarian efforts, such as aiding those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank. They have no financial or other ties to Palestine Action. He points out the government's stance – supporting Palestine is acceptable, but supporting Palestine Action is not – and argues that this situation is an abuse of power, as it extends the implications of the ban to ordinary groups supporting Palestine.
Adding to the complexity, Nicholson, along with his partner, had their personal joint account closed by Yorkshire Building Society without explanation. GMFP's activities include letter-writing, boycotts, information stalls, and social media campaigns. While they've held demonstrations in support of Palestine Action prisoners, they are not directly affiliated with the group.
Green's letter confirmed the police's statement. However, the police also stated they weren't involved in freezing the account, suggesting another law enforcement agency was responsible. The National Crime Agency (NCA) declined to comment, and counter-terrorism police did not respond to inquiries.
And this is the part most people miss: The freezing of GMFP's account, along with that of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), was cited in a legal challenge to the ban on Palestine Action. This was presented as an example of the uncertainty surrounding the proscription and its impact on broader campaigning related to Palestine.
Scottish PSC's account with Unity Trust Bank, which promotes itself as a bank for socially-minded organizations, was initially frozen after the announcement of the ban on Palestine Action. After informing the bank about a previous payment link to Palestine Action on its website, the block was briefly lifted before being reimposed. The account remains frozen, with significant funds inaccessible.
Controversy Alert: Hussein Ezzedine, a trade union officer at Scottish PSC, stated that the bank confirmed the NCA imposed the block. He expressed outrage, highlighting that peaceful activists are under investigation by the country's highest crime investigation force.
What do you think? Does this situation raise concerns about freedom of expression and the targeting of pro-Palestinian groups? Do you believe the actions taken are justified, or do they represent an overreach of authority? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
