Palestine Action has emerged victorious in a legal battle against the Home Office’s decision to designate the group as a terrorist organization. The High Court deemed the ban imposed under the Terrorism Act 2000 last summer as illegal, overturning the controversial ruling. This ban made it a criminal offense to back Palestine Action, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail.
Following the court’s decision, approximately a hundred individuals gathered outside the High Court in central London, expressing their joy with chants of “Free Palestine.” Despite the court’s ruling, Palestine Action will remain proscribed as a terrorist entity to allow for further deliberations and potential government appeal, as stated by Judge Dame Victoria Sharp.
In a summary of the High Court’s judgment, Dame Victoria highlighted that the group’s classification by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as a terrorist organization was deemed “disproportionate.” She noted that while a few of Palestine Action’s activities met the criteria of terrorism as per the 2000 Act, the level and persistence of these actions did not warrant proscription.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment, emphasizing the government’s intention to challenge the ruling. Mahmood asserted that Palestine Action’s involvement in acts of terrorism and promotion of violence were incompatible with democratic values and the rule of law, justifying the ban as a necessary measure for national security.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for the dismissal of charges against protesters supporting Palestine Action, stating that the government’s ban had been deemed unlawful by the court. He urged the authorities to cease the criminalization of individuals protesting against genocide and to address the UK’s involvement in such matters.
Polanski highlighted that over 2,700 people had been arrested for peacefully protesting against genocide and supporting Palestine Action, advocating for dropped charges and discontinuation of legal actions against those apprehended.
