Thread by @hackneymartian

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty (IANAL, so tentatively.) Another QC questioning the #IRHA text was Hugh Tomlinson QC, at @matrixchambers. He said the core definition 'does not work' and the examples have had a “chilling effect” on free speech /2
jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/hugh-tomlinson…

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers Free Speech on Israel (a Jewish group) published a dossier 'Selected Cases of Interference with Free Expression, 2017' which it argued were linked to the IHRA document being circulated to universities
freespeechonisrael.org.uk/interference20…

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers 3) So evidently there are lawyers, specialists and Jewish campaigners who see a prima facie case for the examples having suppressed free speech. Has the #IHRA reviewed this evidence and considered revising them? /4

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers 4) And until IHRA does, does any body which adopts the document have responsibility to eliminate these faults, especially when adopting it as a binding code, which it was not intended to be? One might argue it would be irresponsible to adopt the examples in their present form /5

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers 5) Others than @UKLabour have re-worded. 'We Believe in Israel' circulated a version changing #IHRA text on the examples “could, taking into account the overall context” be regarded as antisemitic, to “The guidelines highlight manifestations of antisemitism as including:” /6

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers @UKLabour 6) This seems stronger than the IHRA's intention. It seems this version was adopted by the GLA @LDN_gov and some other councils, unchallenged. It'd be interesting to know if there's any evidence of the effects.
freespeechonisrael.org.uk/universities/

@hackneyglyn @AdamWagner1 @chakrabortty @matrixchambers @UKLabour @LDN_gov 7) Do the examples form part of the document adopted by the IHRA governing body, even as commentary? What actually is their status? @FreeSpeechOnIsr argues they do not but one would have to see the motion/report before the govbody to be sure I guess /end
freespeechonisrael.org.uk/universities/