I’lam Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel strongly decries the decision of Minister of Internal Security Avi Dichter to ban the festival ‘Al-Quds Capital of Arab Culture 2009’ and its associated opening activities that were set to take place in Jerusalem and Nazareth on March 21.
Read the full press release here.
I’lam affirms that such a sweeping ban is a serious violation of the cultural rights of Palestinians - including the right to culture, to freedom of information, freedom of speech, freedom of association and education. The violation of these constitutional rights hints to an oppressive undemocratic regime more than a democratic one that respects the rights of minorities, democracy and the rule of law.
Repressive measures such as the military patrolling of streets, physical obstruction, arrests and an outright illegal ban on cultural activities without due process will not liquidate the right of Palestinians to assert that Jerusalem is the capital of Arab culture. | .jpg)
