Pro-Palestine protestors disrupt German ambassador’s speech during Asma Jahangir Conference

LAHORE: The speech of German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas at the Asma Jahangir Conference 2024 in Lahore on Saturday was disrupted due to pro-Palestinian protests.

Representatives of the Progressive Students’ Collective called out the German envoy as he commenced his address at the annual conference, which revolves around this year’s theme of ‘The People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia’.

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As Grannas began his address, an activist among the attendees, positioned in the center of the conference hall, interjected: “Excuse me, Mr Ambassador. Excuse me. I’m astonished by your boldness in speaking here about civil rights.”

The activist further challenged the envoy regarding his government’s involvement in the ongoing genocide. Grannas’ speech primarily focused on examining the condition of human and civil rights in South Asia, encompassing Pakistan.

Several attendees in the hall sided with the protester, while others echoed chants of “Free, Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea.”

In footage circulating widely on social media, the ambassador can be seen becoming visibly frustrated, demanding the protester’s departure.

The organization temporarily muted the ambassador’s speech and subsequently halted the live-stream for several minutes.