Senator Fatima Payman on July 4 resigned from the Australian Labor Party over lack of support from her party to recognise Palestine and its inaction over the Gaza genocide, writes Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST (Australian Muslim Times) on July 5.
In a media release yesterday (July 4), she said, “I am torn, deeply torn – on one hand I have the immense support of the rank-and-file members, the unionists and party volunteers who are calling on me to hang in there and to continue fighting the good fight internally. On the other hand, I am pressured to conform to caucus solidarity and toeing the line. I see no middle ground and my conscience leaves me no choice.”
She further added, “As a representative of the diverse and vibrant communities of Western Australia, I am compelled to be their true voice in this chamber, especially when the cries for justice and humanity echo so loudly. Unlike my colleagues, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of injustice. My family did not flee a war-torn country, to come here as refugees, for me to remain silent when I see atrocities inflicted on innocent people.”
In an exclusive interview with OnePath Network released earlier today (July 5), she talked about the challenges she faced over her support for Palestine, the ongoing suffering of Palestinians and genocide in Gaza perpetrated by the state of Israel.
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