UK Supreme Court hears appeal against Palestine Action’s proscription

What the report says

The UK Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal challenging the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The two-day case opened in London on Wednesday, with cofounder Huda Ammori arguing that the ban has had a disproportionate impact on freedom of speech and the right to protest, according to Al Jazeera. The government imposed the proscription in July last year under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Outside the court, supporters and opponents of the group gathered as police arrested demonstrators. Al Jazeera reported that about 25 people were detained during the protests. The article says some activists and civil liberties groups view the ban as an overly broad use of terrorism laws, while the government has linked the group to criminal damage and security concerns.

Palestine Action describes itself as a direct action movement opposing Israel’s policies, and its designation places it on the same legal list as armed organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIL, with severe penalties for membership or support. Rights groups including Amnesty International and Liberty have condemned the proscription, calling for it to be lifted.

The case comes amid wider scrutiny of the UK’s response to pro-Palestinian activism since the Gaza war. Al Jazeera also noted that a Swedish academic, Andreas Malm, was recently refused entry to the UK over concerns that his presence was not conducive to the public good, highlighting broader debate over speech, protest and security policy.