Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori can take her challenge against the group's proscription as a terrorist organisation to the Supreme Court. The development came after police arrested 77 people at a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London.
Legal Challenge Advances
In June, five Court of Appeal judges ruled that the ban on Palestine Action was a “justified and proportionate” interference with freedom of expression rights, overturning a High Court decision from February that had declared the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper's proscription unlawful. After that ruling, Ammori announced her intention to appeal to the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights.
On Thursday, Lord Sales, Lord Leggatt and Lady Simler granted permission for her appeal, though only on the ground that Cooper had misapplied her own policy. They refused a bid to challenge the ban based on interference with freedom of speech and freedom of association. The case will be expedited, with a hearing expected between October and December.
Protest and Arrests
Hundreds gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, where more than 2,000 cases related to supporting Palestine Action had been scheduled for Thursday. Those cases were adjourned earlier this week until October.
Protesters shouting “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” were detained by police. Demonstrators also shouted “shame on you” and “under what power?”. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Officers have arrested 77 people. The majority of arrests have been for expressing support for a proscribed organisation. Four people have been arrested for encouraging or assisting a criminal offence. Police officers remain at the scene and continue to make arrests.”
Reaction and Impact
After the Supreme Court decision, Ammori referenced the arrests and said: “This further evidences our case that the proscription of Palestine Action has become a vehicle for a far broader crackdown on expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people. This unprecedented attack on free speech and the right to protest in this country is already having a chilling effect at a time when speaking out about Israel’s crimes could not be more urgent.”
Court officials confirmed that all cases relating to Palestine Action have been adjourned until October 26, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal over the proscription.
