Palestine Action in High Court showdown to overturn government ban
Palestine Action is pursuing a legal challenge in the High Court to prevent the UK government from proscribing the group under anti-terror laws.
An urgent High Court hearing took place, with subsequent hearings scheduled to decide on a temporary injunction against the ban and whether the group can proceed with its judicial review.
The government has laid a draft order before parliament to amend the Terrorism Act 2000, which, if approved, would criminalise membership and support for Palestine Action, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the proscription is a "legitimate response" to Palestine Action's "long history of unacceptable criminal damage," citing a recent incident at RAF Brize Norton.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Liberty, have submitted statements expressing concerns about the potential misuse of anti-terror measures to suppress dissent.
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