Three individuals have been charged under anti-terror laws after allegedly showing public support for Palestine Action, a group recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation under UK law.
The two women and one man were arrested during a protest in Westminster on 5 July and have now been formally charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The individuals charged are:
- Jeremy Shippam, 71, of West Sussex
- Judit Murray, 71, of Surrey
- Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney
All three are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 16 September.
“We Will Enforce the Law” — Counter Terrorism Chief
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, issued a stern warning:
“Anyone who displays public support for Palestine Action, a proscribed organisation, is committing an offence under the Terrorism Act and can expect to be arrested and, as these charges show, will be investigated to the full extent of the law.”
He added that the charges stem from arrests made in central London on Saturday 5 July, during what appeared to be a coordinated public show of support for the group.
More Prosecutions Likely
The Met Police confirmed they are also preparing case files for 26 other individuals arrested on the same day, with decisions on potential charges expected in the coming weeks.
“I would strongly advise anyone planning to come to London this weekend to show support for Palestine Action to think about the potential criminal consequences of their actions,” Commander Murphy added.
About Palestine Action
Palestine Action, known for its direct action campaigns against arms manufacturers, was formally added to the UK’s list of proscribed terrorist organisations earlier this year. Under UK law, it is an offence to express support, wear associated symbols, or attend meetings in a way that could be seen as endorsing such groups.
Legal Background: Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000
Section 13 makes it an offence for a person to display an article—including flags, emblems or other representations—in a public place in a manner that arouses suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation. The maximum sentence is six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
Witnesses or information?
Call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
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