A co-founder of the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action has been granted permission to challenge the UK government’s decision to outlaw the organisation under anti-terror legislation. The ruling came on Wednesday from a High Court judge in London.
The UK government officially banned Palestine Action earlier this month, just days after some of its members reportedly broke into an air force base in southern England. Prosecutors allege that the activists caused damage estimated at £7 million to two military aircraft during the break-in.
Under the terms of the ban, both membership of and public support for Palestine Action are now considered criminal offences, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Huda Ammori, a co-founder of the group, sought permission to challenge the government’s move in court, arguing that the proscription was an assault on freedom of speech and assembly. High Court judge Martin Chamberlain agreed that her legal challenge could proceed, stating that it was “reasonably arguable” that the government’s decision may have infringed upon her rights to free expression and peaceful protest.
The judge also acknowledged that Ammori’s argument about the lack of consultation prior to the group’s proscription—potentially a breach of natural justice—was also “reasonably arguable.”
Since the ban came into effect on July 5, police have arrested more than 100 individuals across London and other cities for voicing support for Palestine Action during public demonstrations. Authorities have warned that any expression of support for the group could lead to criminal charges following a failed attempt in the High Court to prevent the proscription from becoming law.
