UN Human Rights Chief Slams UK Ban on Palestine Action
International Law Concerns Raised Over Group’s Proscription
The United Nations human rights chief has strongly criticised the UK government’s decision to ban Palestine Action, asserting it infringes upon fundamental rights and freedoms within the UK and contravenes international legal obligations.
Proscription Deemed “Disproportionate”
Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Commissioner, has labelled the ministers’ move to designate the activist group as terrorist “disproportionate and unnecessary.” He is urging the government to reverse this decision, highlighting its impact on essential liberties.
In a formal statement released Friday, Türk declared the ban an “impermissible restriction” on freedom of expression and assembly. He added that it conflicts with the UK’s commitments under international human rights law.
The Commissioner further stated that the ban impacts individuals associated with Palestine Action who have not engaged in criminal acts, but have instead exercised their rights to speak out, assemble peacefully, and associate with others. He expressed concern that this action could foster a “chilling effect” on the lawful exercise of these rights by many more individuals.
Türk also called for an immediate halt to any police or legal proceedings against protesters who have been arrested based on the group’s proscription. The Guardian has approached the Home Office for comment regarding these assertions.
Protester Arrests Spark Outcry
Since Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5th, dozens of individuals have been detained for activities such as holding placards in support of the group. In one widely reported incident, an 80-year-old woman from Somerset was arrested for displaying a pro-Palestine sign at a rally. Police reportedly searched her home and detained her for nearly 27 hours.
The woman, Marianne Sorrell, described the experience as “very traumatised” after officers seized 19 items from her residence. These included personal electronics, Palestinian flags, books on Palestine, materials related to Extinction Rebellion, and even parts of her samba drum.
In another case, Laura Murton, 42, faced threats of arrest in Kent for displaying a Palestinian flag and signs stating “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide,” actions authorities deemed supportive of a proscribed organisation.
Broader Condemnation of the Ban
The ban has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, including UN experts, civil liberties organisations, prominent cultural figures, and hundreds of legal professionals. Critics have decried the measure as “draconian,” warning it sets a perilous precedent by conflating legitimate protest with terrorism. Reports indicate that some Home Office staff have also voiced concerns about the decision.
Government Justifies Ban Following Airfield Incident
Ministers implemented the ban under the Terrorism Act 2000 following an incident in June where members of Palestine Action reportedly breached security at a military airfield, spray-painting two RAF aircraft. This proscription places Palestine Action in the same legal category as groups like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and the far-right organisation National Action.
The security minister, Dan Jarvis, defended the government’s stance, stating, “Freedom to protest lawfully is a cornerstone of our democracy.” He clarified that expressing support for Palestinians, waving a Palestinian flag, or voicing opinions on the conflict in Gaza remains lawful.
Jarvis emphasised that the proscription order specifically targets support for Palestine Action, which he accused of orchestrating a “campaign of criminality on Britain’s streets.” He cited attacks on national security infrastructure and demonstrations of a willingness to use violence as justifications for the ban.
