On Friday night, outside the Harris County Jail, a group of protesters clashed with authorities, demanding the release of three individuals arrested earlier during a demonstration in southwest Houston. Witnesses reported seeing demonstrators chanting and waving the Palestinian flag, expressing their discontent over what they perceived as unjustified arrests fueled by Islamophobia.
According to the Houston Police Department, a sizable pro-Palestine protest commenced around 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of Post Oak Boulevard and Westheimer Road. As the demonstrators began marching, police advised them to remain on the sidewalk due to heavy rush hour traffic. Allegedly, one protester disregarded these instructions and entered the roadway, prompting others to follow suit. Despite repeated warnings from law enforcement, the individual failed to comply and was subsequently arrested. Two others were also arrested for allegedly interfering with the initial arrest.
However, accounts from pro-Palestine activists present a contrasting narrative. The Dallas Chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement claimed that the arrests were unwarranted and carried out violently. According to their statement, protesters were forcefully removed from the crowd and arrested without explanation. Moreover, the detainees were reportedly fasting at the time of their arrest, raising concerns about their treatment and access to food.
The Palestinian Youth Movement further stated that police officers had obstructed community members from entering the building and had cordoned off the streets leading to the jail. Attempts to contact the center were reportedly met with vague and aggressive responses.
The organization asserted that the arrests aligned with Islamophobia, unjust targeting, and anti-Palestinian discrimination prevalent in Texas and across the nation.
