Tensions rise as protesters voice opposition to Israeli player at championship.
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In a significant display of political activism, two protesters were arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Centre. The protest was sparked by the participation of Israeli player Boaz Markus in the World Indoor Bowls Championship, which took place yesterday at the venue.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Granite City location around noon, brandishing Palestine flags and placards that called for an end to Markus’ involvement in the tournament and highlighted the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Demonstration escalates inside the venue
The protest escalated dramatically when a female demonstrator entered the field of play while Markus was preparing to take a shot.
She was chanting and waving a Palestine flag, an act that drew immediate ire from the tournament organizers. The situation prompted swift action, with officials removing the protester from the game. Footage from the event captured the moment, showing the protester being escorted out of the building, alongside another male protester who also entered the play area.
Impact on the tournament and police response
According to the protest group RedCardGlasgow, the demonstration caused a delay of over two hours in the competition. Police Scotland confirmed the arrests, stating that officers were present at a pre-planned demonstration on Summerhill Road in Aberdeen. A spokesperson for the police noted, “Two people have been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.” The incident has sparked discussions about the right to protest versus the need for public events to proceed without disruption.
Calls for action and political responses
The World Bowls organization has faced mounting pressure to withdraw its invitation to Markus due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Action Network, a group that organizes progressive protests, has urged the Scottish Government to intervene and halt the tournament. Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, who was present at the protest, criticized the police response, stating, “The police response today has been totally disproportionate. Protest is not a crime, but genocide is, and we all have a responsibility to stand against it.”
World Bowls’ stance on the protest
In response to the protests, World Bowls CEO Neil Dalrymple acknowledged the right to protest but expressed hope that demonstrators would respect the competition’s need for an uninterrupted environment. “We respect the right for people to protest whilst we hope that they will respect the right for World Bowls to stage this competition without disruption inside the venue,” he stated. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding international events and the intersection of sports and political activism.
