The High Court has rejected the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, describing the decision as “unlawful and over the top.” Dame Victoria Sharp, the presiding judge, ruled that only a tiny portion of Palestine Action’s acts could be classified as terrorism.
According to Dame Victoria Sharp, the overall behaviour of the group did not meet the required “level, scale and persistence” to justify the proscription. She added that existing criminal laws are sufficient to address any illegal activities carried out by the group.
The government’s ban on Palestine Action came into effect on 5 July last year. Since then, nearly 3,000 arrests have been made, according to Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action. Those arrested include a wide range of individuals such as priests, retired doctors, teachers, pensioners, and even an 81-year-old former magistrate.
Huda Ammori described the ruling as “a monumental victory for fundamental freedoms in Britain and the Palestinian cause.” She criticised the ban for leading to unlawful arrests of people 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, calling it 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 “disappointment” and vowed to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal. Mahmood maintained that the ban was supported by “rigorous evidence” and had backing from Parliament. 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 the terrorist designation of Palestine Action, while the group has pledged to continue its activism.
Originally published by UKNIP.
