The Association for Civil Rights in Israel petitioned (Hebrew) the Supreme Court on December 8, 2023, on behalf of Moria Shlomot, a member of the Tel Aviv City Council, and another activist, demanding approval for the existence of a protest to mark International Human Rights Day without requiring a police permit. The protest, under the banner "Every child has the right to live," sought to call for the release of the abducted individuals, a comprehensive political settlement and a cease fire.
The protest is intended to be small and quiet, without a march, roadblocks, speeches, or a stage, and does not require a prior police permit or approval. Nevertheless, the police informed the organizers that it is considered an unauthorized demonstration if a permit is not obtained. The petition argues that linking the existence of the protest to a permit adds to the systematic conduct characterizing the police in recent weeks, suppressing even the smallest protests by those identified as left-wing supporters calling for a ceasefire or protesting against the government. It further asserts that despite the understanding of the difficulties and challenges facing the police since the Hamas massacre and the outbreak of war, the demand for a permit as a condition for holding the protest is not legal and infringes on freedom of expression and protest.
Supreme Court case 8680/23, Shlomot v. Commander of the Tel Aviv District, Israel Police
Attorney: Anne Suciu