Palestine Action takes legal action against UK terrorist designation

The British government's decision to label pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action a terrorist organisation will be challenged in court on Wednesday, with lawyers arguing it misuses anti-terrorism laws.

Palestine Action was proscribed in July, categorising it alongside groups such as Islamic State or al-Qaeda, making membership a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The group had increasingly targeted Israel-linked companies in Britain with "direct action", often blocking entrances, smashing windows, or spraying red paint on businesses.

The UK’s Home Office banned the group after an escalating series of actions, culminating in a June break-in at RAF Brize Norton air base, where activists damaged two planes.

Critics of the ban argue that acts of protest, which involve property damage, do not equate to terrorism, and that the decision curtails protest rights.

Founded in 2020, Palestine Action gained prominence by protesting Israeli defence companies and British firms with links to them. It escalated its actions during the Gaza war.

In January 2024, six members were arrested on suspicion of plotting to disrupt the London Stock Exchange.

Last week, six others stood trial for aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder related to a raid on Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems.

One of them was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm by striking a police officer with a sledgehammer.

Following military plane attacks in June, the then-interior minister, Yvette Cooper, moved to ban the group.

However, the decision has faced criticism from organisations like Amnesty International and Liberty, which have intervened in the case.

Since the ban, more than 2,000 people have been arrested for holding signs in support of the group, with more than 200 charged for expressing support for a proscribed organisation.

Some placards read, "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action."

Additionally, six people have been charged with organising support for Palestine Action, with prosecutors alleging they arranged meetings to encourage "mass civil disobedience."

If Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori’s legal challenge succeeds in London’s High Court, those charged will be able to defend themselves on the grounds that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful.

Ammori’s lawyers have also referred to incidents where pro-Palestinian protesters were questioned by police at demonstrations without expressing support for Palestine Action. They argue that the ban is having a broader impact than intended.

Before the hearing, the Home Office stated that Palestine Action had "conducted an escalating campaign involving not just sustained criminal damage, including to Britain's national security infrastructure, but also intimidation and alleged violence and serious injuries to individuals."

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