"Not Hamas, Palestine": SP MLA Abu Azmi Calls For Withdrawal Of Cases Against 11 Accused Of Carrying Terrorist Group's Flag

Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi called for the withdrawal of police cases against 11 individuals accused of carrying a Hamas flag during a rally in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district in November.

Azmi dismissed the allegations as false and stated that the pro-Palestine rally, organised with proper permission, had been targeted by a counter-rally with provocative slogans.

Azmi claimed that no police action was taken against the unauthorised counter-protest.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously assured appropriate action based on a BJP MLC's claim that pro-Hamas slogans were raised at the rally.

Azmi argued, "an MLC recently asked a question about this incident, and immediately, cases were registered against 11 persons for carrying a Hamas flag. This claim is false. The protestors had carried a flag of Palestine."

During a legislative council discussion, MLC Prasad Lad had asserted that individuals supporting Hamas had participated in the rally, prompting the deputy chief minister to promise a thorough examination of the information provided by Lad and appropriate action.