UK Court Denies Pause on Palestine Action Ban
The UK government’s recent decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation has been upheld by London’s High Court, despite a legal challenge from the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori. The campaign group, known for its direct actions against companies linked to Israel, had sought to temporarily halt the ban while preparing for a full hearing later this month.
Background: Protests Against British Support for Israel
Palestine Action activists have drawn attention for their dramatic protests, including breaking into a Royal Air Force base and desecrating two military planes with red paint. The group alleges that Britain supports Israel’s military actions amid ongoing conflict in Gaza—claims that Israel has repeatedly denied.
Legal and Government Response
The UK government’s proscription of Palestine Action renders membership a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasized that while protest is a democratic right, actions involving violence and criminal damage cross the line into illegality.
British authorities highlighted a 2024 raid on Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor, as a key factor in designating the group as terrorist. This was followed by charges against four members connected to the RAF Brize Norton base incident.
Arguments Against the Ban
Ammori’s legal team contends that Palestine Action’s activities focus on symbolic, non-violent direct action targeting private companies rather than engaging in terrorism. Lawyer Raza Husain called the ban “an ill-considered, discriminatory, authoritarian abuse of statutory power,” noting this is the first time the UK has proscribed a group for such forms of protest.
Civil liberties advocates and some international experts have echoed concerns, arguing that property damage does not rise to the level of terrorism.
Next Steps and Appeal
Despite pleas for a temporary pause to the ban, the High Court refused to delay its enforcement, instructing the group to urgently appeal to the Court of Appeal. Ammori described the proscription as a “dystopian nightmare,” vowing to continue legal efforts to overturn the decision.
Palestine Action's Campaign Focus
- Targets Israeli-linked companies in the UK through protests involving red paint and equipment damage
- Highlights alleged British complicity in Israeli actions in Gaza
- Actions have included blocking company entrances and raids on military and private facilities
As the situation develops, this ruling marks a significant moment in the UK’s approach to protest groups involved in politically charged direct action, balancing national security concerns with the right to dissent.
