The Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at An-Najah National University, in cooperation with the Law and Politics Student Pioneers Association, organized a specialized workshop entitled: “Freedom of Expression, the Right to Protest, and International Law”, held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, via Zoom.

The workshop hosted the Institute’s visiting professor, Professor Atta Hindi, and was attended by a group of undergraduate and postgraduate law students and political science students from various Palestinian universities, as well as legal professionals, academics, and individuals interested in the topic.

The workshop covered several key themes, most notably the legal framework governing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in international law, particularly as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Discussions included fundamental definitions and the limits of exercising these rights in the context of public order and security requirements. The workshop also addressed the right to protest and peaceful demonstration, and the distinction between legitimate restrictions and violations of these rights under international standards.

Moreover, the workshop further highlighted the contradiction between legal principles and international standards on one hand, and the repressive practices of states on the other. Professor Atta Hindi also discussed the recent state practices concerning these rights, especially in the U.S. context, drawing on his personal experience as an American citizen and attorney. He illustrated how activists and protest movements—particularly those advocating for racial justice or expressing solidarity with Palestine—are subject to suppression.

It should be noted that this workshop is part of the activities of the project to establish the Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, funded by the European Union. The project aims to enhance legal knowledge and expand academic dialogue around justice and human rights issues in Palestine.