FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2024
Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | [email protected]
CODEPINK Volunteer Arrested for Speaking Out Against US Support of Israeli Genocide in Gaza
WASHINGTON — CODEPINK volunteer Keshini (Kesh) Ladduwahetty was arrested today for bravely speaking out against the United States' complicity in Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. Maya's arrest occurred during a hearing featuring Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who shoulders significant responsibility for the US's continued support of Israel's actions in the region. Kesh, an immigrant from Sri Lanka, is a DC resident and activist in local DC politics.
Disrupting the hearing, Kesh directly confronted Secretary Austin, condemning the US government's role in enabling Israel's war crimes and genocide against Palestinians. She emphasized that the use of US weapons by Israel to commit atrocities in Gaza constitutes a grave violation of international law and reiterated the urgent need for accountability.
"We must stop our government's support of Israel's genocide, sir. Israel is committing war crimes with US weapons. It is committing war crimes repeatedly and in violation of US law. It has now invaded Rafah,” Kesh stated.
"Sir, will your legacy be a livestream genocide?" she continued.
Today’s disruption of the hearing underscored the complicity of Secretary Austin and the entire US government in the murder, mass murder, and genocide of Palestinians. Kesh pointed out the simple act that could halt the bloodshed: a phone call from the President of the United States to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling off the flow of weapons to Israel.
Secretary Austin's denial of Israel's war crimes, despite clear evidence to the contrary, further exemplifies the government's role in whitewashing the atrocities committed by Israel. The indefinite delay of a State Department report on the matter only serves to perpetuate the cover-up and allow the genocide to continue unabated.
Despite the arrest, CODEPINK remains dedicated to speaking truth to power and advocating for justice for the Palestinian people.
For more information about this disruption, please contact Melissa at [email protected].
###
