London, United Kingdom — Web Desk: Britain’s High Court has ruled that the government’s decision to ban the activist group Palestine Action was unlawful, citing violations of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, according to international news agencies.
The three-judge panel concluded that the government’s restrictions on the group were disproportionate and lacked sufficient justification under UK law. Judge Victoria Sharp said there was little evidence to suggest that the group’s activities constituted terrorism-related conduct.
In its ruling, the court stated that the ban had infringed fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. The court also indicated it would issue an order to nullify the interior minister’s decision, though the ban will remain in effect until the legal process is completed.
The UK Home Secretary expressed disappointment with the ruling and confirmed plans to appeal the decision. She said the ban was imposed following a comprehensive, evidence-based process and had been approved by parliament.
Supporters of Palestine Action welcomed the court decision, celebrating outside the court while waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyeh scarves. Activists chanted slogans and congratulated one another following the announcement.
The group was added to a list of proscribed organisations in July, alongside Hamas and Hezbollah, and membership or public support for the group was criminalised, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Authorities said around 3,000 people were arrested following the ban, with hundreds facing criminal charges for holding placards or participating in demonstrations.
The government had justified the ban after activists breached a military airfield in southern England and damaged two aircraft, causing losses estimated in the millions of pounds. Palestine Action has frequently targeted arms manufacturers, including facilities linked to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems in the UK.
Founded in 2020, the group says its aim is to end international involvement in what it describes as Israel’s policies of “genocide and apartheid.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights had previously described the ban as disproportionate and unnecessary.
