STORY
Palestine Action, the controversial direct action network, has been granted permission to appeal the government’s decision to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation. The legal challenge centres on the Home Secretary’s power to proscribe organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. Palestine Action’s legal team argues that the criteria for proscription were not met and that the decision was disproportionate, infringing on the right to protest and freedom of expression. The group maintains that its actions, while disruptive and causing significant financial damage, are acts of civil disobedience and not terrorism.
A spokesperson for Palestine Action welcomed the decision, stating it was a victory for free speech and a step towards accountability for what they describe as politically motivated targeting. They expressed confidence that the appeal would expose flaws in the government’s proscription process. Conversely, the Home Office reiterated its stance that the proscription was made after a rigorous assessment of all available evidence, and that the organisation’s activities met the legal definition of terrorism. A spokesperson stated that “the government remains committed to protecting national security and will robustly defend its decision in the upcoming appeal.”