Liberty: Palestine Action hearings

We believe the proscription was disproportionate and exposes the deep flaws in the UK’s counter-terror laws. The decision has created a wider chilling effect that leaves people uncertain about what is, and what isn’t considered an offence once a group is proscribed. 

In our application to the court, we criticised the UK’s definition of terrorism as “extremely broad” and warned that the proscription of Palestine Action could pave the way for the wider use of counter terror laws against protestors, undermining people’s right to freedom of expression and freedom of association. 

We will be arguing that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate for the following reasons: 

1. Property damage is not comparable with the sort of activities the Terrorism Act is aimed at – which generally requires intentional violence against people. 

1. The aims of the organisation should be considered, with distinction drawn between those with aims which are abhorrent to a human rights respecting society, and those whose aims are for example to uphold international law. 

1. Criminalising all people who express support for a group is a substantial interference with freedom of expression – with terror offences carrying severe penalties. 

We will inform you of the judgment as soon as we hear any news. 

Thank you, 

Sam Grant

Director of External Relations