Britain Appeals Court Ruling Declaring Ban on "Palestine Action" Illegal

SadaNews - On Tuesday, Britain sought to maintain the ban on the pro-Palestinian group "Palestine Action," which was designated a terrorist organization, following a court ruling that deemed the move an illegal intervention in freedom of expression, according to Reuters.

The group, which had increasingly targeted defense companies linked to Israel in Britain, particularly focusing on the largest Israeli defense company (Elbit Systems), was banned under anti-terrorism laws last year.

The High Court in London ruled in February that the ban was illegal, although it remains in effect pending the outcome of the government's appeal, which began on Tuesday.

Lawyers for British Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the Court of Appeal that the court's conclusion that the ban significantly impacted freedom of expression was "exaggerated and incorrect."

Huda Amouri, who co-founded "Palestine Action" in 2020 and successfully brought the lawsuit, stated that the ban imposed "severe restrictions on fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly for a large number of people."

The group was banned shortly after the storming of the "Brize Norton" airbase of the Royal Air Force in June, where activists vandalized two military aircraft.

The ban placed the group in the same category as organizations like ISIS or Al-Qaeda, making membership a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since then, more than 2,700 individuals have been arrested for carrying pro-group banners, though charges could be dropped if the High Court ruling is upheld.

After the February ruling, the London police said they would temporarily halt arrests while reviewing their position, but they resumed enforcing the ban earlier this month, arresting more than 500 people.

The High Court ruling came shortly after the acquittal of six individuals on charges of armed robbery against "Elbit" in 2024.

The six are currently on trial for property damage, and one is accused of assaulting a police officer with a heavy hammer. All have pleaded not guilty.