The co-founder of Palestine Action has pledged to overturn the group's terrorism ban, either through the courts or 'on the streets', following a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the proscription. Huda Ammori expressed disappointment but insisted the legal challenge would continue, potentially reaching the European Court of Human Rights.
On Monday, five appeal judges reversed a High Court decision that had struck down the ban, stating the earlier ruling had improperly limited the Home Secretary's discretion on national security. Palestine Action is the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act.
Ammori criticised the judges' comparison of the group to suffragettes, calling it 'completely inaccurate'. She highlighted that the suffragettes had conducted a bombing campaign and attacked a clergyman, whereas Palestine Action's actions were non-violent civil disobedience. Over 3,000 people have been arrested in connection with the group's protests.
The ruling follows the sentencing of four activists for criminal damage during a raid on an Israeli arms factory, with the judge citing a 'terrorist connection'. Ammori alleged the legal system was being used to justify the ban and urged supporters to draw strength from the Palestinian struggle.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the judgment, stating that Palestine Action had carried out acts of terrorism and promoted violence, distinguishing it from lawful protest. She affirmed the government's commitment to national security.
