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UK Proscribes Palestine Action Under Terrorism Act; 20 Arrested at Parliament Square

Criminalising support with penalties up to 14 years under the Terrorism Act, the ban has drawn civil liberties concerns, prompting calls for legal challenges, further direct protest

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Overview

  • The government cited the June 20 vandalism of two RAF Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, which caused around £7 million in damage, as the catalyst for proscribing Palestine Action
  • MPs backed the proscription by 385–26 in the Commons and the House of Lords endorsed the move without a vote, enabling the designation under the Terrorism Act 2000
  • Palestine Action’s urgent appeals to the High Court and Court of Appeal were dismissed late on July 4, allowing the ban to take effect at midnight on July 5
  • Over 20 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police at a Parliament Square demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries for expressing support for the newly proscribed group
  • Co-founder Huda Ammori vowed to pursue further legal challenges and intensify direct action, while civil liberties advocates warn the ban risks chilling nonviolent protest