High Court Revokes Terrorist Designation for Palestine Action

The High Court has revoked the terrorist designation of Palestine Action following a legal challenge by co-founder Huda Ammori. The court ruled on two key arguments put forth by Ammori’s legal team. However, the group will continue to be considered outlawed, as the government plans to appeal the decision.

Background on Palestine Action’s Designation

In July 2022, former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This decision was made after the group engaged in activities such as breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging aircraft.

The designation placed Palestine Action alongside notorious organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Under this designation, membership or support for the group could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Even owning merchandise or displaying symbols associated with the group could result in a six-month prison sentence.

Government’s Response to the Court Ruling

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment with the High Court’s ruling. She disagrees with the court’s assessment that the ban is disproportionate. Mahmood affirmed that the government used a “rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process” to establish the terrorist designation.

In her statement, she emphasized that Palestine Action has engaged in terrorist actions and celebrated these acts. Nevertheless, the ban permits individuals to engage in peaceful protests supporting Palestinian causes.

High Court’s Ruling and Human Rights Considerations

Judge Dame Victoria Sharp acknowledged that while Palestine Action promotes its political agenda through criminal acts, the court found the ban contravened the Human Rights Act. Specifically, it infringed on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

She stated that only a small fraction of the group’s activities amounted to terrorism, which could be addressed through standard legal measures.

Impact of the Ban

The Defend Our Juries campaign group reports that since the ban’s inception, 2,787 individuals have been arrested. Among those arrested are a diverse range of people, including:

• Priests
• Teachers
• Pensioners
• Retired British Army officers
• An 81-year-old former magistrate

Notably, author Sally Rooney has publicly supported the legal challenge. Rooney mentioned that her donations to Palestine Action might impact her ability to publish new works in the UK.

The ongoing legal situation surrounding Palestine Action remains fluid, with updates to follow as more developments arise.