Enhedslisten continues to support Palestine demonstrations despite revelations of terror connections. Enhedslisten has chosen to maintain its support for the large Palestine demonstrations, even though it has emerged that the organization behind the demonstrations, Internationalt Forum, has connections to the Palestinian terror organization PFLP. This was revealed over the weekend.
Despite the revelation, Enhedslisten maintains its support and will continue to participate in the demonstrations. The decision was confirmed at the party’s annual meeting in May, where they officially expressed their support for the events, which go under the slogan “Everyone in the streets for Palestine”.
Internationalt Forum, which organizes the demonstrations, sells merchandise to benefit PFLP and also arranges lectures with PFLP leaders. PFLP is classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and the USA. According to Nanna Grønning-Madsen, an expert in Danish terrorism legislation, Internationalt Forum’s activities may potentially be illegal under Danish terrorism legislation.
Rasmus Holme, responsible for the business committee of Enhedslisten, stated in a written comment that the party was not aware of Internationalt Forum’s connections to PFLP. Even though Enhedslisten “strongly disassociates” itself from these connections, they will continue to support the demonstrations.
“We stand firm on the side of human rights and international law, and therefore we demand peace and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We will continue to take to the streets to demand just that,” says Rasmus Holme. He emphasizes that there is broad support for the demonstrations from various popular organizations such as Amnesty and Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke.
The Swedish terrorism researcher Magnus Ranstorp calls Enhedslisten’s decision “morally bankrupt” and believes that the party should have better control over who they support. He points out that PFLP is involved in a number of terrorist acts, including plane hijackings, armed attacks, and suicide bombings. The organization also carried out the assassination of an Israeli minister in 2001.
Internationalt Forum describes itself as a solidarity organization that supports popular movements around the world fighting against imperialism. The organization’s Palestine group has gained significant support since a terrorist attack on Israel last year and has tens of thousands of followers on social media.
Enhedslisten’s decision to support the demonstrations despite the revelations of Internationalt Forum’s terror connections has sparked debate and criticism, but the party stands firm in their commitment to the issue.