Cape Town Mayor said there were violent disruptions today against a planned peaceful prayer gathering in support of Israel.Image-X@amanda_viljoen
Cape Town mayor urges peaceful protests amid Sea Point clashes
Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis condemns Sunday’s clashes at Sea Point during a pro-Israel event disrupted by pro-Palestinian supporters
Cape Town Mayor said there were violent disruptions today against a planned peaceful prayer gathering in support of Israel.Image-X@amanda_viljoen
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis strongly condemned the violent clashes at Sea Point on Sunday, where chaos erupted during a pro-Israel prayer meeting disrupted by pro-Palestinian supporters.
Hill-Lewis emphasised the significance of free expression in a democracy, stating, “Unfortunately, we saw violent disruptions today against a planned peaceful prayer gathering in support of Israel.
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CAPE TOWN MAYOR CONDEMNS VIOLENCE CLASHES
This violence deserves the condemnation of all Capetonians who value free expression in our open democracy.”
He stressed “Every person or group, of every belief and persuasion, has the right to protest peacefully in South Africa.”
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Highlighting the generally peaceful nature of protests in Cape Town, Hill-Lewis expressed disappointment at the disruption of a planned peaceful protest.
“The planned protest today should have been respected and allowed to proceed peacefully and without interference.”
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The mayor urged all to refrain from engaging in violent disruptions and emphasized the need for mutual respect.
The incident at Sea Point stands in contrast to the city’s history of peaceful protests, prompting a call for the upholding of democratic values in the face of ideological differences.
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PRAYER SESSION CANCELLED
Christian pro-Israel supporters had their prayer session cancelled at Sea Point after Pro-Palestine supporters clashed with police.
Police have clashed with Pro-Palestine supporters at the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town.
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Water canons were used reportedly by law enforcement to disperse the Palestinian supporters as pro-Israeli supporters were expected to hold a protest in the same area.
