High Court Allows Legal Challenge Against UK Ban on Palestine Action
The co-founder of Palestine Action has won a legal case to challenge the UK government's decision to classify the organization as a terrorist group. A High Court judge ruled that the ban, initiated after protests against British military support for Israel, can be legally reviewed.
- Country:
- United Kingdom
The co-founder of a UK-based Palestinian rights organization, which the British government has deemed illegal, successfully secured a legal review on Wednesday. The High Court judge ruled in favor of revisiting the decision that equates Palestine Action with terrorist groups such as al-Qaida and Hamas.
The ban implies that any affiliation or support for Palestine Action could result in a 14-year prison sentence. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper sanctioned the prohibition following a June 20 protest at a Royal Air Force base. Activists vandalized aircraft, prompting legal action.
Judge Martin Chamberlain acknowledged the dispute's merit, allowing the challenge to proceed. Co-founder Huda Ammori argued that the ban suppresses freedom of expression. The decision to let the review continue underscores the tension between government measures and civil liberties in the UK.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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