Court Rules British Government's Decision to Ban Palestine Action Organization is Illegal

SadaNews - The High Court in London ruled on Friday that the British government's decision to ban the pro-Palestinian organization "Palestine Action" and classify it as a terrorist organization is illegal, following a legal challenge presented by one of the organization's founders.

"Palestine Action" was banned in July after it intensified its targeting of defense companies in the UK linked to Israel through "direct action," which often included blocking entrances or spraying red paint.

The High Court upheld two of the grounds for the challenge, with Judge Victoria Sharp stating, "The ban resulted in a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly."

She added that the ban will remain in effect to allow both parties' lawyers to address the court regarding the next steps.

In the first official comment on the court's decision, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Friday that she intends to appeal the High Court's ruling in London that deemed the government's ban of the pro-Palestinian organization "Palestine Action" as illegal.

She stated in a statement: "I am disappointed by the court's decision and I disagree with the notion that the ban on this terrorist organization is disproportionate," adding, "I intend to appeal this ruling to the Court of Appeal."