Cork pro-Palestinian protest accuses council of inaction on 'apartheid-free zone'
A Palestinian flag on the statue at Cork County Hall during Thursday's protest. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Pro-Palestine groups in Cork have protested outside Cork County Council to vent their frustrations at the council's "inaction" since it was deemed an ‘apartheid-free zone’ in January.
Cork County Council unanimously passed a motion on the issue of occupied territories of Palestine on January 22.
The motion declared Cork County Council's support for the boycott, divestment, and sanction campaign. It also stated that until Israel compiled with international law and universal principles on human rights, the council agreed "not to purchase goods or services produced or provided, in whole or in part [as practicable] by Israeli companies, or companies that support the Israeli state".
However, the motion was not included in the minutes of the meeting.
Dermot Barry of Fermoy Palestinian Solidarity Campaign said the actions of the council raise “serious questions".
“Who decided that a motion passed unanimously by councillors would not be minuted or enacted?” he asked.
Marlane O’Sullivan of Midleton Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the declaration of Co Cork as an apartheid-free zone is "not enough if it remains mere words".
“Cork County Council's silence on this issue is unacceptable. It is imperative that they fulfil their commitments and take concrete actions immediately,” she said.
The protest was organised by members of Ballincollig, Cobh, Fermoy, Kinsale, Mallow, Midleton, and Youghal Palestine solidarity groups.
A spokesperson for Cork County Council said they are "not aware" of any contracts, products, or services that are directly sourced from Israel.
It also said there is no record of Israel being referenced in any of the supplier details held on its system.
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