Government proscribes Palestine Action under
Terrorism Act; activists deny violence and warn of free speech erosion.
London, UK — The British government has declared
Palestine Action a “violent organisation” under the Terrorism Act, following
more than 500 arrests during weekend protests in the capital. Officials cite
incidents causing “significant injury” and “extensive criminal damage,” while
the group’s leaders reject the accusations, calling them politically motivated
and dangerous for the right to protest.
Downing Street has intensified its rhetoric against
Palestine Action, a direct-action protest network known for targeting British
arms manufacturers linked to Israel. The prime minister’s spokesperson on
Monday insisted the group had crossed legal thresholds for proscription.
According to the government, security assessments
revealed multiple incidents involving “violence” and “serious injury,” as well
as repeated acts of damage to property. Officials say the decision to list
Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation followed “robust, evidence-based”
procedures.
The move comes after a mass demonstration in London
on Saturday, where police detained over 500 participants. Protesters had
gathered in Parliament Square, with some staging sit-ins and blocking roads.
Justice minister statements over the weekend warned
that any individual expressing support for Palestine Action could face
prosecution. “The law will be applied without hesitation,” the minister said,
promising “the full force of the law” against sympathisers.
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), an
independent authority within MI5, is understood to have advised the government
that Palestine Action had committed at least three acts meeting the legal
definition of terrorism.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action,
strongly disputed the allegations. “Spraying red paint on war planes is not
terrorism,” she said, adding that the group’s campaigns target “those who arm
and enable war crimes” rather than civilians.
Ammori accused ministers of weaponising
counter-terror laws to shield defence companies from scrutiny. “This is a
blatant attempt to stifle dissent,” she claimed.
Human rights organisations have voiced concern
about the precedent set by the proscription. Critics warn it could be used to
silence peaceful protest movements that engage in disruptive tactics.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that charges were
filed under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, marking the first prosecutions in
England and Wales for offences related to Palestine Action.
Downing Street maintains that details of the
incidents cannot be fully disclosed for security reasons. Officials stressed,
however, that the group’s activities have caused “real harm to individuals and
to public safety.”
Supporters of Palestine Action argue the group is
engaged in legitimate civil disobedience aimed at halting arms exports to
Israel, which they say fuel the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of
heightened tensions over UK policy toward Israel and Palestine. The government
has faced mounting criticism for its refusal to call for an arms embargo
despite civilian casualties in Gaza.
International observers are watching closely, with
some foreign media outlets framing the proscription as part of a broader
crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in Europe.
The decision has also ignited debates in
Parliament, with opposition MPs calling for greater transparency over the
evidence used to justify the ban.
Civil liberties lawyers predict legal challenges
ahead, with possible judicial review proceedings testing the proportionality of
the government’s move.
For now, Palestine Action remains defiant. The
group has vowed to continue its campaigns despite the risk of arrest, stating
that “justice for Palestine” outweighs personal consequences.
The long-term political impact of this decision
could reverberate well beyond the protest movement itself, shaping the future
landscape of UK dissent and state power.