UK Government Blocks Palestine Action's Legal Challenge Against Terrorist Designation

London:

The British government on Thursday attempted to prevent the co-founder of Palestine Action from pursuing a legal challenge regarding the group's prohibition under anti-terrorism legislation.

Palestine Action has intensified its targeting of Israel-linked businesses in Britain, frequently employing tactics such as spraying red paint, obstructing entrances, or damaging equipment. The organization accuses the British government of complicity in what it describes as Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

In July, the group was designated as a terrorist organization, making membership a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. Since then, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested for displaying signs supporting the group.

Huda Ammori, who co-founded Palestine Action in 2020, received permission in July to contest the group's proscription on the grounds that it potentially constitutes a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression rights.

Britain's Home Office is now requesting the Court of Appeal to overturn this decision and rule that any challenge to the proscription should be heard by a specialized tribunal rather than the High Court.

The proscription of Palestine Action occurred shortly after some members breached the RAF Brize Norton air base and damaged two aircraft in June, resulting in charges against four members.

The group has particularly focused its activities on Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, and the British government cited a raid at an Elbit facility last year when making the decision to proscribe the organization.

Israel has consistently denied committing abuses in its Gaza military campaign, which commenced following Palestinian militant group Hamas's attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023.