Read the article that Leman is using against AEL

Antwerp- the Platform for a just peace in Palestine, which forms a broad alliance of more than 20 organizations (including AEL) and many individuals and personalities, is calling for a peaceful demonstration this Saturday in the city of Antwerp in support of the Palestinian people and for Palestinian rights.

As has been the case in the last two demonstrations on the third of April and the 21st of April, the city mayor once more has forbidden this demonstration. As a reason for her decision the mayor stated the presence of the Arab European League within the platform, and the fact that Mr. Dyab Abou Jahjah (AEL president) is one of the individuals who signed the demand of the manifestation. The events of 3 April are used once more as a contemptible excuse to criminalize the pro-Palestinian movement when what really happened that day is rather an illustration of the provocative, racist and unprofessional attitude of the Antwerp police department.

The fact of the matter is that in Antwerp a combined lobby of far-right extremists and Zionists is putting the mayor under pressure not to allow any pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist action to take place. Once more the Arab and Muslim community in the city is being intimidated and denied from the right to express its solidarity with the Arab people of Palestine . Once more the city is using its built up network of subsidized so-called "immigrant self-organizations" to pressure the community not to take part in this manifestation. At the same time the city is trying to criminalize the platform of Belgian organizations and individuals who are calling for this manifestation and to present them as being marginal and non-credible. The masks have fallen and we know now that in Antwerp the power is in hands of the Zionist-lobby and the far-right racists. The Mayor is nothing but a weak and incapable politician trying to please the people who detain the real power in this city by further oppressing the most oppressed, namely the Arab-Muslim community.

There for we call upon all Arabs and Muslims and all justice loving people to take part in the demonstration that will take place this Saturday in Antwerp. Antwerp is the stronghold of Zionism in Europe , and that's why it should become the Mecca of pro-Palestinian action. There isn't a more logical place to demonstrate for Palestine in Europe than a city where the pro-Sharon gangs of Zionist fanatics are dictating the law.

arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)