Red Spark expresses full solidarity with the more than 20 people arrested on 18 and 19 April 2026 under Queensland’s new hate speech laws, for displaying or voicing banned phrases in support of Palestine.

These were not accidental breaches. Those arrested were part of conscious and collective acts of defiance against laws designed to silence dissent and criminalise solidarity. They made a deliberate political choice to challenge repression openly, thereby exposing the real purpose of these laws.

We stand with the principled and brave comrades in Doykeit, Socialist Alliance, and UQ Students for Palestine, along with all others who were arrested and now face prosecution under these laws. Their actions were not symbolic participation but acts of resistance carried out with full awareness of the consequences.

The arrests expose the contradictions at the heart of this legislation. Laws introduced in the name of combating antisemitism have been used to arrest Jewish activists, including members of Doykeit, a Jewish organisation with a long tradition of anti-racist and anti-colonial struggle. This makes clear the political purpose of these laws. They are not about protecting communities from harm but about suppressing dissent and targeting movements for Palestine.

We also recognise and thank the organisational efforts and steadfastness of Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, whose work continues to sustain and strengthen this movement.

These arrests mark a serious escalation in the attack on civil liberties in Queensland. Laws that criminalise words, symbols, and political expression are tools of intimidation. They are designed to isolate movements, suppress organising, and punish those who refuse to be silent in the face of genocide and occupation.

This repression is not a sign of strength. It reflects the fear among Australia’s ruling class and political establishment of a growing movement that refuses to back down.

The intention behind these arrests was clear, and so must be the response. Attempts to intimidate and isolate must be met with wider and more determined resistance.

We reject the criminalisation of political expression. We reject the targeting of activists for standing with Palestine. We reject any attempt to legislate solidarity out of existence.

Those arrested acted with courage and clarity. Their defiance strengthens the movement.

They are not alone. Red Spark stands with them, and with all who continue to resist.