91������̳

“Stop the blackmail: Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism.” Paris, July 2014.

“A group of prominent intellectuals and activists are defying France's crackdown on the Palestine solidarity movement by publicly calling for the boycott of Israeli goods,” .

The news came as the French government announced plans to intensify restrictions on free speech targeting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.

In a statement, academics and activists said: “This boycott movement is enjoying growing success around the world as the only non-violent means to put pressure on Israel.

“It permits everyone who wishes to peacefully demonstrate their solidarity and to protest the favourable treatment [Israel] receives from a large part of the international community despite its constant violations of international law,” it adds.

“It is why we call for the support and strengthening of the BDS movement and for the boycott of Israeli goods.”

The signatories made their call in defiance of an October court ruling. France's highest court of criminal appeals upheld the conviction of 12 Palestine solidarity activists for publicly calling for the boycott of Israeli goods.

Like the article? Subscribe to 91������̳ now! You can also us on Facebook and on Twitter.