The government has secured a legal ruling allowing it to oppose an effort by Palestine Action to overturn its classification under counterterrorism laws.
In the latest development of the dispute between authorities and the now-banned protest group, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Home Secretary can contest a decision permitting a judicial review of the group's proscription, originally scheduled for November.
The ruling coincided with a court appearance by six individuals who denied terrorism-related charges after allegedly attempting to coordinate demonstrations aimed at undermining the ban.
This follows planned demonstrations on Saturday, where organisers anticipate over 1,000 participants near Parliament.
On 21 August, the Court of Appeal granted the Home Secretary permission to appeal. Lord Justice Underhill noted in the judgment: "I believe the appeal has a real prospect of success."
The hearing contesting the review of Palestine Action's proscription will take place on 25 September. In July, legal representatives for the group's co-founder, Huda Ammori, obtained approval to challenge the ban, arguing it violated free speech rights and suppressed lawful protest.
Since the proscription on 5 July, more than 700 people—many openly supportive of the group—have been detained.
The Home Secretary outlawed the organisation under terrorism legislation after aircraft at RAF Brize Norton were vandalised with paint. Authorities estimated the damage at £7 million.
Supporting or being associated with Palestine Action is now a criminal offense carrying a maximum 14-year sentence. Officials argue the ban is necessary as it specifically addresses a group involved in serious criminal activity.
The charges against the six defendants relate to alleged plans for gatherings in London, Cardiff, and Manchester, reportedly arranged via online meetings in July, August, and this month.
Among those appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court were Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer from Southwark, London; Dawn Manners, 61, from Hackney; and David Nixon, 39, from Barnsley.
In a separate hearing, student Patrick Friend, 26, from Edinburgh; Gwen Harrison, 48, from Kendal; and Melanie Griffith, 62, from Southwark, also faced charges.
The group Defend Our Juries, co-founded by Crosland, is organising Saturday’s demonstration in Parliament Square.
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