London, UK – Dozens of individuals appeared in court this week facing charges related to alleged support of Palestine action, a group recently proscribed by the UK government. The cases highlight a complex legal challenge to the ban and potential delays to trials involving up to 2,000 defendants.
At Stratford Magistrates’ Court, defendants entered pleas, with one woman stating, “I was objecting against the proscription of Palestine Action and I therefore plead not guilty.” David Kilroy, 66, from Plymouth, wearing a Just Stop Oil t-shirt, also pleaded not guilty, declaring, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty.”
The court heard from prosecutor Peter Ratliff that setting firm trial dates is proving challenging due to the ongoing legal challenge to the Palestine Action ban. If the ban is overturned, the prosecutions would likely be dropped. However, questions remain about how defendants can adequately defend themselves if the ban remains in place.
Three lead cases, prioritized in September, aim to resolve these legal questions, with the possibility of the dispute reaching the Supreme Court – a scenario that could delay trials until 2027. Judge Snow acknowledged the potential for revisions to plans for the 2,000 defendants but stated the need to establish timetables.
The current plan involves holding at least two trials daily,each involving 10 defendants,beginning March 23.This would necessitate approximately 400 trials, requiring 200 days of court time.
However, concerns were raised during Wednesday’s proceedings about the fairness of the allocated trial time. Katie McFadden, representing some defendants, questioned whether a half-day trial for five defendants would allow sufficient time for individual testimony, free speech arguments, and cross-examination.
Defendant Deborah Wilde, 72, expressed her belief that she could not receive a fair trial within the allotted time and requested leave to appeal, a request denied by Judge Snow, who stated, “I’m satisfied that the time is sufficient… your only remedy is the High Court.”
Thirty more defendants are scheduled to appear on Thursday for trial date allocation. The Court of Appeal is set to rule on Friday on a government attempt to halt the challenge to Palestine Action’s ban. Separately, the first trial concerning alleged Palestine Action members accused of offenses – including violence related to targeting an Israeli defense firm – is scheduled to begin in November.
