Palestine Action Movement Granted Permission to Challenge UK Government Ban
July 30, 202593 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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The organization participating in the Palestine Action movement, which supports Palestinians, received approval today, Wednesday, to challenge the UK government's decision to ban the group under counter-terrorism laws.
Huda Ammouri, who helped establish the movement in 2020, requested the UK Supreme Court's approval to fully challenge the ban on the movement, which was issued on the grounds of committing or participating in terrorist acts.
The movement has increasingly targeted companies linked to Israel in the UK, often by splashing red paint, blocking entrances to facilities, or damaging equipment. Palestine Action accuses the UK government of complicity in the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected Ammouri's request to lift the ban, and after a recent unsuccessful appeal, the decision to ban Palestine Action came into effect shortly after midnight on July 5th.
The ban criminalizes membership in the movement, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
However, Judge Martin Chamberlain granted Ammouri permission to seek a judicial review, stating that her argument that the ban constitutes a disproportionate interference with her and others' right to freedom of expression is "worthy of debate."
Authorities have arrested dozens of individuals for carrying banners believed to support the movement since the ban came into effect, and Ammouri's lawyers say those expressing support for the Palestinian cause are also facing increased scrutiny by the police.
Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest and that Palestine Action's activities, including storming a military base and damaging two planes, justify the ban.
Huda Ammouri, who helped establish the movement in 2020, requested the UK Supreme Court's approval to fully challenge the ban on the movement, which was issued on the grounds of committing or participating in terrorist acts.
The movement has increasingly targeted companies linked to Israel in the UK, often by splashing red paint, blocking entrances to facilities, or damaging equipment. Palestine Action accuses the UK government of complicity in the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected Ammouri's request to lift the ban, and after a recent unsuccessful appeal, the decision to ban Palestine Action came into effect shortly after midnight on July 5th.
The ban criminalizes membership in the movement, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
However, Judge Martin Chamberlain granted Ammouri permission to seek a judicial review, stating that her argument that the ban constitutes a disproportionate interference with her and others' right to freedom of expression is "worthy of debate."
Authorities have arrested dozens of individuals for carrying banners believed to support the movement since the ban came into effect, and Ammouri's lawyers say those expressing support for the Palestinian cause are also facing increased scrutiny by the police.
Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest and that Palestine Action's activities, including storming a military base and damaging two planes, justify the ban.
