Published on: May 15, 2024
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Dana Abu Qamar: The Law Student Britain Deemed a National Security Threat (Video)
Sitting in a student protest at the University of Manchester, Dana Abu Qamar, a Palestinian law student, wears a headscarf resembling the Palestinian keffiyeh—a silent but powerful expression of solidarity with her homeland.
What began as a moment of activism soon spiraled into a life-altering ordeal when, on October 8, Dana participated in a pro-Palestine demonstration and was interviewed by a journalist. She later discovered that her words had been manipulated, portraying her as a supporter of terrorism.
“They made me look like a terrorist, just because I defended Gaza’s right—under international law—to break free from the open-air prison it has been trapped in,” she explains.
Dana alleges that pro-Israel lobby groups pressured the university and the British government to take action against her following a smear campaign. As a result, the UK Home Office revoked her student visa, giving her 60 days to leave the country.
A Promising Future on the Line
A top-performing student originally from Gaza, Dana excelled in her studies, ranking first in her class during high school before earning a place at the University of Manchester’s Law School at just 16 years old.
What baffles her is how a young law student could be labeled a threat to national security, leading to a legal battle against her university and the Home Office in an attempt to complete her education.
“It was shocking. The UK claims to stand for human rights and democracy, but it turned out to be a lie. I fell for a trap.”
Breaking into tears, Dana recalls the harassment, defamation, and even death threats she and her family have endured. Yet, the support from Palestine advocates has kept her going.
Fighting Back: A Future in Law and Justice
Despite the odds, Dana won an appeal allowing her to continue her studies, and she now has just one week left to graduate. However, the Home Office’s decision to cancel her residency status remains under review, leaving her future uncertain.
She vehemently denies all allegations, calling them fabricated accusations aimed at silencing pro-Palestine voices.
“It’s ironic—my dream is to pursue international law and advocate for Palestinian rights. But the first case I had to fight was my own.”
Undeterred, Dana remains at the forefront of a student sit-in, demanding the University of Manchester cut ties with Israeli institutions that, according to protestors, are complicit in the war on Gaza. She continues to fight for her right to education, hoping that her struggle will pave the way for justice—not just for herself, but for all Palestinian students.
