UK Supreme Court hears appeal against Palestine Action’s proscription

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.As the hearing got under way, protesters gathered outside the court.

Some expressed support for Palestine Action, while others opposed the group’s proscription, which many view as an affront to civil liberties.

One demonstrator held a placard reading: “God help us Jews who support Palestine and Palestine Action”.About 25 protesters were arrested, according to the Press Association; the final person detained carried a sign saying: “God help us who are not married to the UK’s national security adviser who support Palestine and Palestine action.”It’s understood this is in reference to journalist and author Sarah Helm, who is married to the UK Prime….

That they were arrested for using the same language that Sarah Helm didn’t face arrest for, shows how dangerously vague our terrorism laws are.”Amnesty is one of several organisations calling for the UK government to lift the ban on Palestine Action.“Whatever the Supreme Court ultimately decides, it’s long past time for the Government to admit they got this badly wrong, end the proscription of Palestine Action and put a stop….

Malm is a vocal supporter of Palestine and has spoken out against Israel’s assault on Gaza.Prime Minister Andy Burnham said before taking office in July that the Labour Party had “got it wrong” on Gaza.

However, his comments have come under renewed scrutiny after Malm was refused entry to the UK last week.

Rights activists say UK decision against Palestine Action is a 'misuse of terrorism powers'.