Human rights barrister Franck Magennis to speak at Derry IPSC event

London-based human rights barrister Franck Magennis, is to speak in Derry at the invitation of the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Mr Magennis, who originally hails from Dublin, is a member of the legal team currently acting for the political wing of Hamas, which has applied to British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for ‘deproscription’ in Britain.

Speaking to The Derry News, Catherine Hutton, DIPSC chairperson said Mr Magennis had been involved for many years in immigration law and Palestine advocacy.

Saturday evening’s event, which Ms Hutton described as “an evening of legal insight and solidarity with the people of Palestine” will take place in The Playhouse, on Artillery Street, at 7.30pm, on Saturday, May 17. It will be hosted by Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent, Allison Morris.

Ms Hutton said: “Mr Magennis has a distinguished record of defending civil liberties and international justice. His legal career has focused on challenging state abuses, protecting protest rights, and representing individuals and groups targeted by repressive legislation.

“Most recently he has played a central role in representing the political wing of Hamas in their legal application to be removed from the British Government’s list of proscribed organisations, an unprecedented and significant case raising questions around political expression, due process, and the misuse of counterterrorism powers.

Police treating fire at a play park in Strathfoyle as arson

Damage was caused to some of the park equipment

“Saturday’s event will offer Derry audiences a unique opportunity to hear directly from Mr Magennis on the legal frameworks surrounding proscription, international law, and the broader movement for justice in Palestine.

“His insights will be particularly relevant in a time of genocide and deliberate starvation in Gaza and growing international scrutiny of Britain’s role.”

Refreshments and music will follow Mr Magennis’ talk, giving the audience  a chance for discussion and connection.

Admission to the event is by donation based ticket. 

Tickets can be obtained by scanning the QR code on the event poster or at: www.eventbrite.ie.