EPALondon, UK – Demonstrations in Parliament Square, London, resulted in over 60 arrests today as police enforced a ban on protests related to Palestine Action, a group proscribed by the UK government. The arrests follow a wider crackdown, with more than 200 individuals detained nationwide as the ban was implemented by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last month.
The proscription of Palestine Action stems from concerns over escalating direct action tactics, including a high-profile incident at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 12th, 2023. Activists infiltrated the base and caused approximately £7 million in damage by spraying red paint onto two Voyager air refuelling aircraft. Palestine Action publicly claimed responsibility for the act.
Palestine Action, founded in 2020 by Huda Ammori and James Buchanan, campaigns against companies allegedly complicit in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, especially those involved in the arms trade.The group has targeted sites owned by Elbit systems, an Israeli defense company, and other businesses.
The government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2006 classifies the group as a terrorist institution, making it illegal to support or belong to it. This designation has been challenged by Palestine Action, who argue it infringes upon the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.Their legal challenge, supported by human rights lawyers, is scheduled to be heard in full later this year.
Last week, three individuals – two women and one man – were charged with supporting a proscribed terror group. They are scheduled to appear before Westminster magistrates’ Court on September 16th. The Metropolitan Police have not released the names of the accused at this time.
The High Court previously ruled that Palestine Action could legally contest its proscription,acknowledging the group’s arguments regarding freedom of speech. However,the government maintains that the ban is justified due to the group’s involvement in “serious criminality,” citing instances of violence,injuries,and considerable property damage.
A home Office spokesperson stated the proscription was enacted based on “strong security advice” and followed a pattern of “serious attacks” perpetrated by the group.The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting national security and preventing acts of terrorism.
