Condemnation urged for attack on pro-Palestinian protester during DNC in Chicago

Rights groups are urging for the Democratic National Committee to condemn the attack on a Muslim woman who was silently protesting US arms sales to Israel during the Democratic convention in Chicago last month.

The incident reportedly took place on 19 August when US President Joe Biden was giving his farewell address. Nadia Ahmad, a Florida delegate at the Democratic convention, along with several other protesters, was silently holding a sign reading "Stop Arming Israel" when several men sitting in nearby seats allegedly attacked the group from behind.

The group of silent pro-Palestinian protesters were expressing their opposition to Israel's war on Gaza and US financial support for Israel's military campaign on the small enclave, which has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The alleged attackers, witnesses said, were carrying signs reading "We Love You Joe" with long poles attached, which they reportedly used to attack Ahmad, who was wearing a hijab, causing her to have a concussion, she said.

The men were later identified by the victims and witnesses as union members, part of LiUNA, and their names have been shared with the authorities and the Democratic convention organisers.

"Despite this, DNC leadership has failed to specifically condemn the attack in public, take action against those responsible, express support for the ongoing criminal investigation, or make a commitment to institute training on anti-Muslim bigotry or anti-Palestinian racism," according to a public statement released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Robert McCaw, CAIR government affairs director, told The New Arab that he is concerned about the message this apparent lack of accountability sends to others.

"People felt impunity to attack. Why do hate crimes increase?" he said. "When you're in a situation where feel like you can attack, and no one will follow up."