Signatories Invited for Open Letter Opposing Criminalisation of the Slogan "Globalise the Intifada"

An open letter opposing the criminalisation of the phrase “globalise the intifada” has been launched by a group of academic and advocacy organisations. It is open for signatures from those working in higher education, including lecturers, researchers, professional services staff, and graduate teaching assistants.

As explained in recent letters by the BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom (in January and March) , the term intifada (انتفاضة) is an Arabic word meaning “shaking off” or “uprising”. It has been used historically across the Arab world to describe popular movements against colonial domination, military occupation, and authoritarian rule. At its core, the phrase “globalise the intifada” is commonly used as a call for international solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for liberation and justice. 

Treating the phrase as inherently criminal risks mischaracterising both Arabic political language and Palestinian political agency. It also risks discriminatory enforcement against those expressing Palestinian political identity or solidarity. As the open letter argues, such measures “undermine fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, while fostering a climate in which legitimate political speech is surveilled, stigmatised, and punished”.

If you would like to read the full text and consider adding your name or sharing the letter with colleagues, you can do so via the link below.