We, the Palestine Diaspora Movement (PDM), join the global call condemning the designation of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network as a ‘terrorist organization’ by the U.S. and Canadian governments.

On the 15th of October, the US government issued a statement imposing sanctions against Samidoun, accusing the organization of being a ‘sham charity’ that raises funds for a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is blacklisted by the US government and the Canadian government followed the same suit.

We recognize this designation for what it is: an apparent attack on the growing solidarity movement calling for an end to the genocide and support for Palestinian liberation. This is another tool of state repression aimed to scare and silence the global protest movement.

PDM stands with Samidoun and the honorable work they have done to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinian “prisoners” who are being illegally detained by the Zionist regime. To designate the organization and place it on an already defunct ‘terror’ list shows the state’s attempts to criminalize our movement, from the chants we use to our religious beliefs and our actions. The designation is reminiscent of the criminalization of Nelson Mandela and the ANC party, both pivotal in challenging the apartheid in South Africa. Mandela received the ‘terrorist’ label in 1988 alongside his party and wasn’t removed until 2008. The designation of Mandela and the ANC, and their eventual exoneration, compares to the Samidoun designation for what it truly is: state repression and a gross misuse of power. We know that our movement continues to gain popular power and support, which challenges the imperialist and colonial narratives of the U.S., Canada, and their most shameful ally, “Israel.”

For the last 14 months, Palestine-focused organizations have flooded the streets consistently to show solidarity and steadfast commitment to call for an end to the 76-year Zionist occupation and to demand the right to return to our homeland. We have been met with closed doors, violence, online targeting and harassment, and state repression.

However, we must remain steadfast in our mission towards the liberation of Palestine and one together to fight harder and louder until freedom is achieved. The state will never silence us, and we will continue to raise our voices, for until liberation is achieved, from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. #WeAreAllSamidoun

Freedom, liberation, and return!

Until then, in solidarity,

Palestine Diaspora Movement