UK Court Upholds Terror Ban on Palestine Action After Military Base Vandalism

The British government has banned the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the UK's Terrorism Act of 2000, placing it alongside groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda. This decision follows the group's recent break-in and vandalism at a Royal Air Force base, which caused approximately $9.4 million in damages to military planes. Palestine Action sought to temporarily block the ban, arguing it was an authoritarian misuse of statutory power and highlighting that the group does not advocate violence. However, the High Court in London denied the request, with Justice Martin Chamberlain stating it was not the court's role to question the wisdom of the ban despite its potential impact on public understanding of terrorism. Membership or support of Palestine Action is now a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison, with a full legal challenge pending a hearing scheduled for July 21. The ban also prohibits activities such as fundraising, sharing social media content, or wearing the group’s merchandise.