High Court Slaps Down Government’s ‘Terror’ Label on Palestine Action
Judge: Only a Tiny Slice of Palestine Action’s Acts Are Terrorism
The government’s decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group has been slammed as “unlawful and over the top” by a High Court judge. Dame Victoria Sharp ruled only a small fraction of the group’s activities could be called terrorism. She said the overall behaviour fell short of the “level, scale and persistence” needed to justify the ban. Regular criminal laws, she added, are enough to deal with any illegal acts.
Nearly 3,000 Arrested Since Terror Ban Began
The proscription came into effect on 5 July last year, triggering nearly 3,000 arrests, according to Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori. Those arrested include priests, retired doctors, teachers, pensioners, and even an 81-year-old former magistrate.
“This is a monumental victory for fundamental freedoms in Britain and the Palestinian cause,” Ammori said. “The ban led to unlawful arrests for simply holding signs saying: ‘I oppose genocide I support Palestine Action.’”
She condemned the government for branding a non-violent civil disobedience group as terrorists, calling it a “Trumpian abuse of power,” and compared it to banning the Suffragettes.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood Vows to Fight Back
Despite the ruling, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed “disappointment” and promised to challenge the decision in the Court of Appeal. She insisted the ban was backed by “rigorous evidence” and Parliament’s support. “Ministers must retain the power to protect national security and keep the public safe,” Mahmood stressed.
The government is set for a courtroom showdown to keep Palestine Action branded as terrorists, while the group pledges to carry on its activism.
