The High Court has rejected the UK government’s decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, describing the move as “unlawful and over the top.” Dame Victoria Sharp, the presiding judge, ruled that only a tiny fraction of Palestine Action’s activities could be classified as terrorism.
Dame Sharp stated that the group’s overall behaviour did not meet the “level, scale and persistence” required to justify the proscription. She added that existing criminal laws are sufficient to address any illegal acts committed by members of the group.
The government’s ban on Palestine Action came into effect on 5 July 2023. Since then, nearly 3,000 arrests have been made, according to Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action. Those arrested include priests, retired doctors, teachers, pensioners, and even an 81-year-old former magistrate.
Speaking about the ruling, Ammori called it “a monumental victory for fundamental freedoms in Britain and the Palestinian cause.” She criticised the ban for leading to unlawful arrests of individuals simply holding signs stating: “I oppose genocide I support Palestine Action.” Ammori condemned the government for branding a non-violent civil disobedience group as terrorists, describing the action as a “Trumpian abuse of power” and likening it to the historical banning of the Suffragettes.
Despite the High Court’s decision, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her “disappointment” and vowed to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal. Mahmood insisted that the ban was supported by “rigorous evidence” and had Parliament’s backing. She emphasised that “ministers must retain the power to protect national security and keep the public safe.”
The government is preparing for a legal battle to maintain Palestine Action’s terrorist designation, while the group has pledged to continue its activism.
Originally published by UKNIP.
