UK court upholds government appeal to keep Palestine Action on ‘terrorism’ list
The UK government has won its appeal to uphold the designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist” group. The activist group was banned last year
The UK government has won its appeal to uphold the designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist” group. The activist group was banned last year after being accused of breaking into an airbase as part of its ongoing protests Israel's genocide in Gaza. Rights groups say more than 3,000 people have been arrested for publicly supporting the group, and more than 1,200 protesters have been charged with terrorism-related offences under the ban.
The Court of Appeal in London ruled that it had struck a balance between national interest and the rights of individuals. The judge said that while there were peaceful members of Palestine Action, there were also non‑peaceful members whose actions amounted to terrorism. The court upheld the government’s proscription of Palestine Action, which began in July 2024 following a series of high‑profile protests that caused damage at defence establishments.
Outside the court, protesters carrying signs – many of which could lead to arrest – gathered in large numbers. The government welcomed the ruling, saying it protected national interest. The judges described Palestine Action as an underground movement operating under the radar with an internal manual for its members, justifying the ban. Al Jazeera’s Richard Gaisford reports from London.
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