UK Supreme Court hears appeal against Palestine Action’s proscription

An appeal challenging the designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organisation has begun at the United Kingdom’s top court, as police arrested demonstrators who gathered outside to protest against the group’s proscription. The two-day hearing at the Supreme Court in London began on Wednesday. Huda Ammori, cofounder of Palestine Action, said ahead of the hearing that she would argue the ban is having a disproportionate effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest.

The direct action group was proscribed by the UK government under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July last year. The decision has since been denounced by rights groups, including Amnesty International and Liberty. Palestine Action describes itself as a “direct action movement committed to ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime”.

Its designation as a “terrorist” organisation puts it on the same list as armed groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). Those found guilty of belonging to or supporting Palestine Action risk up to 14 years in prison.