'Censoring Palestine' film and Q&A held in support of Filton18 activists in Bellaghy

There was a great turnout at the screening of “Censoring Palestine” in Bellaghy GAC on Friday, May 9 organised by the Mid Ulster Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Guest speakers included Stephen Devlin, Ballymena-based father of Filton18 activist Jordan Devlin, and Michaela Jordan from the Filton18 families, producer of the film Norman Thomas, and Goretti Horgan of the Raytheon 9.

The event was chaired by Pádraig MacNiocaill and introduced by Emma Ross of the Mid Ulster IPSC.

"The event focussed on media silence on the genocide in Gaza and in solidarity with the Filton18 activists currently being persecuted for bravely standing against genocide and dismantling weapons of genocide in Filton’s Elbit hub, allegedly costing Israel’s largest weapons firm over £1million in damage," Pádraig said.

"The event was held in Bellaghy in particular to speak out against the complicity of local factory Moyola Engineering in the manufacture of airframe parts for F35 warplanes.

"Moyala Precision Engineering is one of many factories across the north receiving funding from InvestNI, managed by minister Caoimhe Archibald and her department. We call on our local politicians to immediately take action against this company and for the factory to immediately cease production of these parts.

"We also spoke against and called for Allianz, complicit in funding Israeli weapons company Elbit systems, to be dropped as a sponsor for the GAA."

Saoirse O'Neill, Spokesperson of the MUIPSC and Bellaghy local stated: "We are thankful that our well-attended event brought together members of the local community in a powerful show of solidarity, as we continue to speak out against the systematic silencing of Palestinian voices in mainstream media. 

"The film sheds light on the widespread media censorship surrounding the reality of the ongoing atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people. 

"The event also served as a platform to express support for the Filton 18. Funds raised on the night have been donated directly to the Filton 18 support campaign.

"We are deeply grateful to all who attended and contributed to making the event a success."

The Mid Ulster IPSC wishes to thank Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAC for hosting the event, which received over £250 in donations towards the Free The Filton 18 campaign, and for being steadfast supporters of Palestine.