UK decision to ban Palestine Action as 'terror group' unlawful, court says

12 hours ago

UK High Court ruled the government's ban on Palestine Action as a 'terror group' was unlawful and disproportionate.
Palestine Action's cofounder Huda Ammori hailed the ruling as a victory for fundamental freedoms and Palestinian rights.
The British government intends to appeal the court's decision, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood disagreeing with the ruling.
The ban remains in place pending another hearing, but police indicated they would not arrest people for showing support until legal clarity.
Human rights groups criticized the ban as draconian, criminalizing legitimate political dissent.
Thousands of protesters, including elderly and disabled individuals, face potential imprisonment for supporting Palestine Action.
The court found the government's ban interfered with freedom of speech and assembly, calling it disproportionate.
Palestine Action has conducted 385 direct actions since 2020, targeting Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer.
The ruling was celebrated as a triumph for direct action and opposition to the genocide in Gaza.

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