Palestine Action’s cofounder wins bid to challenge UK ‘terror’ group ban
The cofounder of a pro-Palestinian campaign group has won her bid to legally challenge the British government’s decision to ban it under “antiterrorism” laws.
Huda Ammori, who helped found Palestine Action in 2020, asked London’s High Court to give the go-ahead for a full challenge to the group’s proscription, which was made on the grounds it committed or participated in acts of “terrorism”.
This month, the High Court refused Ammori’s application to pause the ban, and after an unsuccessful last-ditch appeal, Palestine Action’s proscription came into effect on July 5.
Proscription makes it a crime to be a member of the group, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
Judge Martin Chamberlain granted permission for Ammori to bring a judicial review, saying her case amounted to a disproportionate interference with her and others’ right to freedom of expression and was “reasonably arguable”.
Police carry a person from a protest in Parliament Square in support of Palestine Action
More on Palestine Action’s successful bid to challenge UK ‘terror’ group ban
This was Palestine Action’s second attempt to challenge that ban by the British government, describing them as a “terrorist” organisation. The first failed just two hours before the government’s decision on July 5th.
This decision wasn’t about whether or not that ban was lawful, but whether or not it could be legally challenged in the High Court, and they have won. The judge has decided to grant permission because it contravenes the freedom of expression and assembly under the Human Rights Act.
Now, many here are quite surprised. They thought that it wouldn’t go the way Palestine Action was hoping. They thought that the judge was going to decide that it should actually come under a different tribunal. So people here are very, very happy.
Now, permission has been granted for a full legal review of the government’s actions. It’s going to raise so many questions: Did the government follow due process? Did they consult with Palestine Action before?
So, many questions will need to be answered, and the government is very much on the back foot today with this ruling.
