Enhedslisten’s (The Unity List’s) Front Figure Was Aware of Terror Connections: PFLP
Enhedslisten has so far claimed that the party was not aware of the connections between the International Forum, which is behind major Palestine demonstrations, and the Palestinian terrorist organization PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine). But now it can be revealed that Enhedslisten’s front figure, Pelle Dragsted, was not only informed about these connections, but has also previously defended International Forum’s support for PFLP.
According to B.T., International Forum, a left-wing organization, has sold merchandise and books in support of PFLP and organized lectures with PFLP leaders. PFLP is classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and the USA. Nanna Grønning-Madsen, an expert in Danish terrorism legislation, assesses that International Forum’s activities may be in violation of terrorism laws and therefore illegal.
Despite these revelations, Enhedslisten has continued their support for the mentioned demonstrations, which has sparked criticism. The party’s executive board responsible, Rasmus Holme, previously stated that Enhedslisten was not aware that International Forum supported and had connections to PFLP before B.T.’s revelations. However, it now emerges that Pelle Dragsted defended International Forum’s cooperation with PFLP in 2001.
In 2001, Dragsted, as the press contact for International Forum, stated to Information that the organization would not sever ties with PFLP. This occurred shortly after PFLP had shot and killed the Israeli tourism minister, Rehavam Ze’evi, an action which Dragsted did not consider a terrorist act in the traditional sense at the time.
B.T. has tried to get Dragsted to explain why, despite his knowledge and previous defense of International Forum’s terror connections, he chose to secure Enhedslisten’s support for the organization’s Palestine demonstrations earlier this year. Dragsted has only briefly and evasively answered these questions.
Dragsted stated in his written comment: “I and Enhedslisten completely and unequivocally distance ourselves from PFLP and all other organizations that participated in the terror attack on October 7th or in other terrorist acts. Of course, today I would call the killing of Rehavam Ze’evi terrorism and PFLP a terrorist organization.” He adds that he has distanced himself from his previous views and is in a completely different political position today.
Enhedslisten’s press service has confirmed that the party continues to support International Forum’s demonstrations. B.T. has also raised questions about Dragsted’s congratulations to activist Irene Clausen in 2018 for the release of the book ‘PFLP & Palestine’, where she declares sympathy with PFLP and features interviews with PFLP leaders. Dragsted explained that he simply wanted to congratulate an old acquaintance without knowing the content of the book.
International Forum, which describes itself as a solidarity organization, has garnered increased attention and support for their Palestine demonstrations after last year’s attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The organization’s Palestinian group, known as ‘Stop Annexation’ on social media, has tens of thousands of followers.