Right to protest – Sint Maarten

Right to protest – Sint Maarten

The inhuman and horrific events in Israel and Gaza have led people around the world to organise demonstrations and marches calling for a ceasefire and in solidarity with the plight of Palestinians.

A group of concerned citizens in St Maarten also felt compelled to take to the streets and organise a dignified and peaceful demonstration in solidarity with those suffering in Palestine.

During consultations, in which police and organisers responded positively to each other, a march route was determined and a date agreed for 19 November 2023.

However, the Justice Minister banned the march with a formal decision on 17 November 2023. The minister, using the term propaganda, stated that there were rumours on the internet regarding the protest, which allegedly involved destruction of property and a call to burn flags. The authorities said they expected serious unrest that could not be prevented by imposing restrictions on the demonstration: the only option left was to ban it completely, effectively resulting in a ban on the associated freedom of expression and assembly.

The organisers decided to take legal action and an appeal was sent to the Court of First Instance last December. PILP is working with lawyer Brenda Brooks of Brooks & Associates on this case. A date for the hearing is currently being awaited.

In een oogopslag

Startdatum:
17 november 2023
Partners:

Residents of St Maarten.
Lawyer Brenda Brooks of Brooks & Associates.

Huidige status:

On November 25, 2024, the Court of First Instance ruled: the ban on the demonstration in Sint Maarten was unjustified.

Gerelateerde Documenten

Rechtzaak Right to protest – Sint Maarten

21 December 2023

Appeal filed

PILP files appeal on behalf of demonstration organisers.

Appeal filed

19 November 2023

Supposed date demonstration

Supposed date demonstration

The demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinians should have taken place on 19 November 2023.
17 November 2023

Minister bans demonstration

Minister bans demonstration

The Minister of Justice bans the demonstration through a formal decree.
10 November 2023

Demonstration announcement

Demonstration announcement

The organisers announce the demonstration for 19 November 2023.
On November 25, 2024

the Court of First Instance ruled: the ban on the demonstration in Sint Maarten was unjustified.

Historic victory in Sint Maarten: the first court case affirms the right to protest and strengthens freedom of speech and peaceful assembly

the Court of First Instance ruled: the ban on the demonstration in Sint Maarten was unjustified.

Tijdlijn

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