MORE than 150 people rallied in Aberdeen on Monday to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and hear the words of Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela.

The grandson of Nelson Mandela, known as Mandla, had been due to speak at Palestine solidarity meetings across the UK this week, but was effectively banned from entering the country when the Foreign Office refused him a visa.

Instead, he used video links to take his message to anti-apartheid activists, but he faced yet another barrier when the University of Aberdeen withdrew permission to broadcast his talk.

In a statement, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) branded the university’s decision “cowardice,” adding that “institutional commitments to Black History Month, anti-racism and decolonising the curriculum are nothing more than a show.”

Undeterred, the SPSC shifted the meeting outdoors, defying the university’s ban, as more than 150 campaigners rallied on the lawn to hear Mandla’s message and to share their own.

SPSC and Aberdeen TUC activist Tommy Campbell told the Star: ”History will show that those who attended to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people will be commended whilst history will condemn the principal of Aberdeen university for overturning  the decision.

“The university’s ban means they have taken the side of the apartheid Israeli state and [are] therefore complicit in the genocide being committed in Palestine. 

“Shame, shame, shame on those who took that decision and I salute all the university staff and students and others who have openly opposed and criticised the university for such a wrongful and despicable decision. 

“The struggle for peace and freedom will continue.”

The University of Aberdeen was contacted for comment.