Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:
In a move sparking concern over freedom of expression and solidarity activism, Sambhal Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested seven Muslim men in connection with posters that urged a boycott of Israeli products and expressed support for Palestine, reported the Maktoob Media.
The posters, spotted on the walls of shops in Narauli town, featured messages such as “Free Gaza, Free Palestine” and called on Muslims to avoid purchasing goods linked to Israel, while promoting the purchase of Indian products instead. Globally, such boycott campaigns have gained momentum in response to Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza, which has reportedly killed over 51,000 Palestinians and halted all humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
Baniyather Station House Officer Ramveer Singh informed PTI that the police identified the individuals using CCTV footage and additional input from shop owners whose walls bore the posters.
Those arrested have been identified as Asim, Saif Ali, Rahees, Matloob, Fardeen, Arman, and Arbaz. However, police have not yet disclosed the specific charges or legal provisions under which the First Information Report (FIR) has been filed.
The posters carried emotionally charged messages appealing to Muslim unity and ethical consumerism:
“All Muslim Ummah has made it compulsory for every Muslim to boycott all the goods which have any connection with Israel. Everything in Gaza has been completely destroyed. If we cannot cry after seeing the plight of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, then remember that we are dead.”
The visuals on the posters included images of Israeli-linked products, warning Muslim consumers and shopkeepers that purchasing them was akin to consuming prohibited items in Islam.
“If you buy Israeli food and drink items, then they are as forbidden for you as eating pork or drinking alcohol is forbidden.”
The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups who argue that expressing solidarity with Palestine and advocating peaceful boycotts should not be criminalized, especially when such sentiments echo international outcry against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
