-JC
This is a live broadcasting blog about the Free Palestine boycott demonstration outside Marks & Spencer on Oxford Street, London, from 6 to 8 pm, on Thursday the 6th of November.
We will be uploading live video clips, photos, tweets, interviews, and facts on the day.
We are three first year journalism students studying at Kingston University.
For starters:
A Thinglink with useful videos about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Intifada -JC
What happened…
…At the beginning:
On the day of the event our team arrived at Marks and Spencer’s 30 minutes early to make sure we caught the protesters setting up. We spent the extra time trying to wrangle any information from the M&S employees and security guards.
They were polite but declined to give us any information or opinions on the subject.
…After the Free Palestine Protestors arrived:
At 6 pm on the dot around 10 protesters showed up with banners, buttons, badges, posters, fliers and newspapers.
They chanted, and yelled about the boycott, explaining to passerby’s how M&S has some products made in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian zones, where they hire Palestinians and pay them below the minimum wage.
Most of the shoppers around the area ignored the protest, continuing to go in and out of M&S.
…When the Police arrived:
The police arrived about an hour into the protest. They seemed to be trying to intimidate the protesters but made no move to comment or harass them. When we asked protester Ben about the influence of the police on the protest, he pointed out that it was not a nuisance as it brought in a crowd.
“Everybody loves a good show.”
…When passers-by offered to voice their opinions:
Only around 2 shoppers disagreed with the protest and made their opinions known, one (Mark Goodman) by hashing things out with a lead protester Jigon, the other by yelling “Racism, Zionism!” at the crowd and storming away.
Overall the protesters said that it was a good turnout compared to other protests where only 3 protesters showed up.
…All in All:
The atmosphere was energised and lively, the protesters; loud and influential. They believed in their cause and had no problem standing up to and debating with others who disagree.
-SG
Thing link:
//www.thinglink.com/card/590591420155297794
Storify:
[View the story “Journalism Students Cover M&S Protest” on Storify]
-SG
freepalestinelondon 