‘Game of Thrones’ actor speaks out for Palestine

ISTANBUL (AA) – Irish actor Liam Cunningham, widely recognized for his role in Game of Thrones, has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice in Gaza.

In an interview at the 15th TRT International Documentary Awards, Cunningham passionately discussed his commitment to speaking out against injustice, drawing on personal experiences and Ireland’s own history under British rule.

“I think it’s one of those things — I’ve never been a fan of injustice,” he said.

Recalling his working-class upbringing, he explained how witnessing his father’s mistreatment by employers shaped his moral compass.

“I made a promise to myself that whenever I saw it, I would speak up,” he said.

His platform as a globally recognized actor has given him a louder voice- one he feels morally obliged to use.

“I could have a very easy life and just enjoy being a reasonably successful actor, but my conscience wouldn’t allow me. I have to speak up,” he emphasized.

For Cunningham, the sight of the powerful exploiting the vulnerable is intolerable, and he reserves equal disdain for those who remain silent.

– Ireland’s history and empathy for Gaza –

Cunningham firmly believes that Ireland’s long struggle under British rule has shaped the Irish people’s deep empathy for Gaza.

“We are a perfect example of what occupation can do,” he said, referencing the devastating Great Hunger of the 19th century, during which Ireland lost millions to starvation and forced migration.

“That was under the control of the British government, and that wasn’t even just in Ireland,” he added, pointing to similar atrocities, such as the Bengal famine under Winston Churchill.

“That’s why occupation makes me nauseous, because it involves apartheid, it involves crimes against humanity, and, as we’re seeing at the moment, involves genocide,” he stated unequivocally.

Cunningham also criticized those who remain silent out of fear.

“I’m more concerned about the cowards who don’t speak up, the people who look at the television go, ‘Isn’t that awful? Let’s put on a cookery program.’ They’re the people I find disappointing.”

– The role of mainstream media –

Cunningham did not hold back in his criticism of mainstream media, which he accused of abdicating its responsibility to hold power to account.

“It shouldn’t be actors or comedians doing this. It should be the media, and they’re not doing their job. They should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.

His frustration was palpable as he described a media landscape controlled by the powerful.

“The rich who have bought the press are telling them what stories to put out. I just wonder where the backbone of news media has gone.”

Ending on a plea for collective action, Cunningham urged people to speak up.

“If you haven’t spoken up already, please, please speak up. This killing has got to stop. As I said before, if I we’ve been calling for a cease-fire for so long, and now it’s got to the stage where, if I say, ‘Please cease-fire,’ now you can turn around and go ‘Which one would you like to start with? Lebanon, Syria or Gaza?’

“It was just Gaza for a while, and now it’s expanded, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better if people don’t stand up and say enough is enough.”