The co-founder of Palestine Action says the ban on the group “massively backfired” following a high court ruling on Friday that found the ban to be unlawful.
High Court Deems Ban Disproportionate
Three senior judges ruled the ban was disproportionate and represented a significant interference with the rights to protest and free speech. However, the proscription order remains in place while lawyers for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood present arguments as to why it should not be lifted. This leaves the fate of over 2,500 people in limbo.
Huda Ammori, who co-founded Palestine Action in 2020 and brought the legal challenge, stated her legal team will resist any attempts by Mahmood to maintain the ban while appealing the judgment. Ammori said, “Considering the thousands of people who are going through the criminal justice system are being prosecuted for holding up signs saying: ‘I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action’ and the chaos that’s created, it’s ridiculous to even try and maintain an unlawful ban.”
Ammori continued, stating the logical next step is for the proscription order to be quashed, or at least suspended while the government appeals.
Mahmood stated on Friday that the proscription of Palestine Action followed “a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by parliament,” and that the government will appeal the ruling.
Impact on Arrests
More than 500 of the over 2,500 individuals who displayed placards in support of Palestine Action have been charged under section 13 of the Terrorism Act. Their cases have been delayed pending the outcome of the judicial review. Ammori praised the individuals who participated in the civil disobedience campaign, stating, “It’s just been incredible…it’s incredibly uplifting.”
The judges described Palestine Action as “an organisation that promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality,” but found that most of its activities could be addressed through existing criminal law, and did not meet the threshold for a terrorism proscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the High Court’s ruling regarding Palestine Action?
The High Court ruled that the ban on Palestine Action was unlawful, finding it to be disproportionate and an interference with the rights to protest and free speech.
Is the ban currently in effect?
Yes, the proscription order remains in place pending arguments from lawyers representing Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on why it should not be lifted.
How many people have been charged in connection with supporting Palestine Action?
More than 500 of the over 2,500 individuals who displayed placards in support of Palestine Action have been charged under section 13 of the Terrorism Act.
As the government considers an appeal, will this ruling ultimately change the landscape of protest and activism in the UK?
