A religious leadership body in Cape Town has spoken out strongly against a major retail company, accusing it of using legal threats to silence voices advocating for Palestinian rights.
The Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), which includes respected Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and professionals from various fields, criticized Cape Union Mart for seeking a court order against the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). The retailer approached the Western Cape High Court to stop activists from referring to it as a supporter of genocide.
One of the individuals named in the legal application is Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan Mohamed, a member of the CTUB. In response to the court action, the board said the company’s attempt to curb public protests amounts to intimidation.
“It’s disheartening to see a corporation trying to silence peaceful protesters by resorting to the courts,” the board said. “This kind of response highlights the importance of standing firm against corporate bullying and supporting those speaking out for justice.”
The CTUB encouraged Cape Union Mart to engage in open, respectful dialogue with protesters, rather than using what they described as heavy-handed tactics.
“Threatening legal action in response to peaceful activism undermines democratic values. As moral leaders in society, we stand in full support of the protesters and their call for justice for the Palestinian people,” the board added.
The legal action includes seven respondents. Apart from Shaykh Ridhwaan Mohamed, others named include Magmuda Ockards, Muhammad Shafiq Gamiet, Mohamed Zaid Jeenah, and Sherazaad Rahima Sylvester, along with unnamed protesters and the PSC as an organization.
The retailer claims that the protests and boycott campaigns outside its stores have caused both financial harm and reputational damage. In its court papers, it seeks to prevent activists from accusing the company and its brands of supporting violence or being complicit in the death of children.
The respondents have until June 29 to file their responses with the court.