Enhedslisten’s (The Unity List’s) involvement in Palestine demonstrations has come under sharp criticism from several sides, after it was revealed that Internationalt Forum (The International Forum), the organization behind the demonstrations, has connections to the Palestinian terror organization PFLP. Internationalt Forum has, among other things, sold merchandise and books in support of PFLP and arranged lectures with PFLP leaders. Despite these revelations, Enhedslisten chooses to continue their support and participation in the demonstrations.
Dansk Folkeparti’s (Danish People’s Party) chairman, Morten Messerschmidt, expresses concern over Enhedslisten’s engagement and calls it “shocking.” He calls for a thorough investigation of the party’s actions and connections. Venstre’s (The Left) acting political spokesperson, Linea Søgaard-Lidell, describes the left-wing’s approach to the conflict between Israel and Hamas as “shameful” and urges distancing from Internationalt Forum. Similar calls come from Konservatives (The Conservatives) legal spokesperson, Mai Mercado, and Danmarksdemokraternes (The Denmark Democrats) acting political spokesperson, Hans Kristian Skibby, who describe Enhedslisten’s actions as “sheer hypocrisy.”
In a comment on the criticism, Enhedslisten’s executive committee responsible, Rasmus Holme, states that the party was not aware of Internationalt Forum’s support for PFLP and strongly distances themselves from this support. Nevertheless, Enhedslisten maintains their participation in the demonstrations, which according to Holme, have the support of a wide range of popular organizations, including Amnesty International and Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (Danish Association for International Cooperation).
Liberal Alliance’s legal spokesperson, Steffen Larsen, believes that a decent democratic party should not collaborate with people who support terrorism, but he does not provide specific advice to Enhedslisten on what they should do.
Internationalt Forum, which has been active since 1972, describes itself as a solidarity organization that supports popular movements worldwide in the fight against imperialism. The organization’s Palestine group has gained considerable support after the war in Gaza and has organized the controversial demonstrations, which have drawn thousands of people to the streets in several Danish cities.
Enhedslisten has issued a written statement reaffirming their support for human rights and international law, and maintains that they will continue to demand peace and a ceasefire in Gaza. The party condemns all terrorism and defends their participation in the demonstrations as part of their stance for human rights.