London, United Kingdom – The High Court in London announced on Wednesday that it has granted the British government permission to appeal a lower court ruling that deemed the ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action unlawful. The government had designated the group a terrorist organization in July 2015.
Details of the judicial ban
The ban came after the group’s increased activity in direct attacks against Israeli-linked defense companies in Britain. This included blocking their entrances and spray-painting their properties with red paint. The group also stormed RAF Brize Norton, damaging two aircraft. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attacks as “outrageous.”
Legal reactions
Lawyers for the movement’s founders, including Huda Ammouri, argued that the ban was an arbitrary restriction on the freedoms of assembly and expression. The Supreme Court ruled that the ban was unlawful and constituted a disproportionate infringement on fundamental rights.
The ban will continue during the appeal.
With permission granted to appeal, the ban will remain in place until the appeal is decided. The UK Home Office expressed its satisfaction with the decision, reaffirming its commitment to “the strongest possible measures to protect national security and the safety of citizens.”
Effects of the ruling on prosecutions
The ruling raised questions about the prosecution of hundreds of people charged with supporting the movement. It also prompted police to focus on gathering evidence rather than making arrests, reflecting the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression.
