Senior judges in the United Kingdom have delivered a significant blow to the government, ruling its decision to designate the pro-Palestinian protest group, Palestine Action, as a terrorist organization to be unlawful.
This judgment marks a considerable setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which has drawn widespread criticism for the ban and its perceived impact on fundamental rights like free speech and the right to peaceful protest.
However, this High Court ruling in Britain is not necessarily final, as the government still retains the option to appeal the decision.
While Palestine Action is not known to advocate violence against individuals, its members have previously caused damage to facilities associated with an Israeli weapons manufacturer. Notably, last June, activists infiltrated R.A.F. Brize Norton, the UK’s largest air force base in Oxfordshire, where they vandalized two aircraft.
Following these actions, the government controversially placed Palestine Action on the same legal standing as designated terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Division, and Hezbollah.
This ban marked a precedent, as it was the first instance where the British government invoked such powers against a group primarily for “serious damage to property,” rather than for explicit violence or its threat. This move garnered significant condemnation from various human rights organizations and international entities.
Since its implementation last July, the prohibition on Palestine Action has resulted in the arrests of over 2,000 individuals, many simply for displaying signs in solidarity with the group.
This situation is evolving rapidly. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.