https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/anasse
We print below the translation of a 15 January statement by the legal and social defence organisation associated with the ICL’s French section.
The Comité de Défense sociale (CDDS), together with the Ligue trotskyste de France, joins in Révolution Permanente’s call for a united front in response to the latest attack by the state targeting Anasse Kazib, their main spokesman and a trade union activist with SUD-Rail. Like hundreds of other activists in this country, he is being prosecuted for “glorification of terrorism” because of his support for the Palestinian cause.
This is a grotesque and sinister accusation. Anasse’s trial is set for 18 June. He faces up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of thousands of euros and being ineligible for public office. As Anasse himself stated in an 8 January press release: “By persecuting me, the state is testing the limits of what it can do in the repressive sphere to send us a message.”
Precisely. Faced with the escalation of “anti-terror” repression, i.e. repression of Muslims and pro-Palestinians, and the rise of the far right, it is vital for the workers movement to defend all those targeted by the witch hunt, whatever their political or religious views. If the state can do this to an activist as nationally known as Anasse, it will have carte blanche to imprison thousands of trade unionists and youth from immigrant and minority neighbourhoods! We must close ranks in defence of Anasse Kazib and all the pro-Palestine activists facing charges!
The CDDS calls on trade union activists and all parties and organisations of the left, as well as anti-racist collectives, to coordinate our efforts to present a united defence front. Drop the charges! Free all imprisoned pro-Palestine activists now! Hands off Anasse Kazib!
