A legal challenge against the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation opened at the United Kingdom Supreme Court on Wednesday. The two-day hearing in London centres on whether the government’s ban on the direct action group unlawfully restricts civil liberties.
Huda Ammori, the cofounder of Palestine Action, stated before the proceedings that she would argue the proscription places a disproportionate burden on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The UK government banned the network under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July of last year.
The group defines itself as a direct action movement dedicated to ending global involvement in Israel’s military operations. Its classification as a terrorist organisation places it alongside armed groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL. Individuals convicted of belonging to or supporting Palestine Action face sentences of up to 14 years in prison.
While the court session unfolded inside, demonstrators gathered outside the building to protest the ban. Around 25 people were arrested by police during the demonstrations, according to the Press Association.
One demonstrator detained by officers carried a sign reading that God should help those not married to the national security adviser while supporting the group. That placard referenced journalist and author Sarah Helm, who is married to the Prime Minister’s national security adviser.
Helm had previously posted a similar sentiment on social media without facing prosecution, drawing accusations of selective enforcement from critics. Tom Southerden, Amnesty International’s UK Law and Human Rights Director, issued a statement following the arrests.
He called the detentions of musicians, politicians and celebrities holding peaceful placards a grim demonstration of the misuse of terrorism powers. Southerden added that arresting individuals for using language that went unpunished when used by Helm demonstrates the vague nature of UK terrorism laws. Amnesty International is among multiple organisations urging the government to rescind the ban.
The crackdown on pro-Palestine voices has faced sustained scrutiny since the war on Gaza began more than three years ago. Last week, Swedish academic Andreas Malm was blocked from entering the country after officials deemed his presence contrary to the public good due to his vocal support for Palestine.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously stated prior to taking office in July that the Labour Party had mishandled its position on Gaza. Those remarks have faced renewed examination following the refusal of entry to Malm.
Whatever the Supreme Court decides, Southerden said it is time for the government to admit the proscription was an error.
