UK Government's Proposal to Ban Palestine Action Sparks Concerns over Free Speech and Counter-Terrorism Laws

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, faces potential arrest and prosecution if the UK government's plan to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws comes into effect. The government claims the group's methods have become more aggressive, with members willing to use violence, but Ammori disputes this, stating that the group's actions are a response to the UK's complicity in the colonization of Palestine. If proscribed, members of Palestine Action could face up to 14 years in prison, and those wearing clothing or publishing a logo that arouses reasonable suspicion of support for the group could be sentenced to up to six months.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK government's plan to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws has sparked concerns over free speech and the use of counter-terrorism laws to stop protests.
• Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, disputes the government's claims of the group's increased aggression and violent methods, stating that the group's actions are a response to the UK's complicity in the colonization of Palestine.
• If proscribed, members of Palestine Action could face up to 14 years in prison, and those wearing clothing or publishing a logo that arouses reasonable suspicion of support for the group could be sentenced to up to six months.
• The group has carried out hundreds of actions, occupying buildings, spraying red paint, and destroying equipment, taking video footage to share on social media.
• Ammori believes part of the reason for proscription is that Palestine Action activists have regularly been acquitted, and where convicted, jail time has been rare, although she estimates that dozens have spent time in prison while awaiting trial.
• The group's activism has increased since Israel began its assault on Gaza after the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas, leading to increased pressure on the government to clamp down on the group.
• Ammori cites activists previously cleared by courts for actions against UK military bases trying to stop war crimes in Iraq, East Timor, and Yemen, but as soon as it's done for Palestine, they're branded as terrorists.
• The counter-terrorism laws in Britain are so extreme - it's one of the only countries, the only country, where it's actually an offence to recklessly show support for a proscribed organisation.
• None of the overseas chapters of Palestine Action -- unaffiliated to but inspired by the UK group -- have been banned as terrorists.
• Ammori believes the Conservatives would not have resorted to proscription, as they had ample opportunity to do so while in government, and it is only under Labour that activists have been arrested -- but not charged so far -- under the Terrorism Act.

Statistics:

• The UK government claims Palestine Action has caused millions of pounds of damage during a "nationwide campaign of direct criminal action against businesses and institutions, including key national infrastructure and defence firms."
• Ammori estimates the group has carried out hundreds of actions, occupying buildings, spraying red paint, and destroying equipment.
• The group's fundraiser for legal fees to fight against proscription has raised over £150,000, with an average donation of about £35.

Sources:

• Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, quoted in article: "Its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence."
• We Believe in Israel, report: "Behind Palestine Action's theatre of resistance stands a darker puppeteer: the [Iranian] Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps."
• Home Office officials, briefed by Times: "investigating whether Palestine Action was funded by Iran."