The UK Court of Appeal has ruled that the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization is lawful, overturning a previous High Court decision. Amnesty International and civil liberties campaigners have criticized the ruling, arguing it expands counter-terrorism powers and threatens the right to protest.
"Allowing this proscription to stand represents another step in the ongoing crackdown on the right to protest in this country," says Amnesty International. Protesters gather outside the Royal Courts of Justice after a court ruled the UK's ban on Palestine Action unlawful, in London on February 13, 2026.
/ Reuters Archive Amnesty International and civil liberties campaigners have criticised a court ruling upholding the UK government's decision to ban Palestine Action, arguing that the move represents an alarming expansion of counter-terrorism powers and threatens the right to protest. The UK Court of Appeal ruled on Monday that the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was lawful, overturning a previous High Court ruling that found the ban breached the right to protest.
Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr said on Monday that it was "not a sustainable proposition to portray Palestine Action as a non-violent organisation.
" Tom Southerden, legal programme director at Amnesty International UK, said the ruling did not change the organisation's view that the ban amounted to a misuse of terrorism legislation. "We have long said that the banning of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was a grave misuse of sweeping counter-terrorism powers with serious consequences for human rights, and today's outcome does not alter that assessment," Southerden said in a statement.
Southerden said images of people being arrested for holding placards in support of Palestine Action would be remembered as "a deeply shameful chapter" in British history. Iran ties US deal to Lebanon security as Beirut welcomes breakthrough"Allowing this proscription to stand represents another step in the ongoing crackdown on the right to protest in this country," he said, calling on the government to withdraw the ban and reverse measures that restrict demonstrations.
Akiko Hart, director of the civil liberties group Liberty, also criticised the ruling, describing the proscription as a disproportionate use of counter-terrorism powers.
"We are disappointed about this judgment and believe this proscription is a disproportionate use of counter-terror powers," Hart said. She warned that the decision could make it easier for future governments to use terrorism legislation against non-terrorist groups, activists and political opponents.
"There is an urgent need to update the current definition of terrorism to enable current, and future governments to uphold their duty to safeguard the public and national security, whilst protecting people's rights and preventing overreach," Hart said. There have been around 3,000 arrests linked to support for Palestine Action since the ban was imposed last July, according to local media.
Iran ties US deal to Lebanon security as Beirut welcomes breakthroughIran accuses US of playing 'good cop, bad cop' as Israel bombs Beirut while Tehran weighs peace dealScotland beat Haiti to go top of World Cup Group C
Please follow us on Google to support us Palestine Action UK Court Ruling Proscription Right To Protest Counter-Terrorism
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UK appeal court upholds Palestine Action terror banPalestine Action, which had increasingly targeted Israel-linked defence companies in Britain with a particular focus on Israel's largest defence firm Elbit Systems, was proscribed under terrorism laws last year.
Read more »
Court of Appeal Upholds Ban on Palestine Action, Ruling Group Engages in TerrorismThe UK Court of Appeal has ruled that the government's proscription of Palestine Action is lawful, overturning a High Court decision that had found the ban unlawful. The judges concluded the group's activities, involving property damage and weapons use, justify its designation as a terrorist organisation, striking a fair balance with national security concerns.
Read more »
UK’s ban on Palestine Action under terror legislation was lawful, Court of Appeal saysThe British government acted lawfully when it banned the protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, the Court of Appeal in London has ruled.
Read more »
UK Court of Appeal Upholds Terrorist Ban on Palestine ActionA panel of five judges ruled that the government acted lawfully in proscribing Palestine Action, citing the group's promotion of unlawful violence and terrorism.
Read more »