Free Gaza Movement co-founder and globally known advocate of the Palestinian cause Paul Larudee said that the ‘Arab Spring’ has brought about many changes in the world and caused setbacks to forces such as America and Israel. Addressing a large gathering of students at the District Conference of the Students Islamic Organisation of India at Malappuram in Kerala, Dr. Larudee, chief guest at the function, said Palestine’s recent winning of UN non-member observer status with the support of 133 nations indicated a setback for America and Israel. Dr. Larudee said the increasing incidence of attacks on minorities was proof of the increasing influence of Israel in India.
Later, the state police arrested Dr. Larudee soon after his speech for violating visa norms in India only to invite demonstration from students and youths.