Palestine Action has been granted an urgent high court hearing on Friday to contest a proposed ban that would classify the group as a terrorist organization.
If approved, the order—expected to be presented to lawmakers on Monday—would criminalize membership in or support for Palestine Action, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. The measure, introduced by the home secretary last week, would place the group alongside organizations such as al-Qaida and Islamic State. Critics, including activists and civil rights advocates, argue the move is excessive.
During an emergency court session on Monday, it was revealed that Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, will seek an interim injunction to delay the ban.
David Blundell KC, representing the government, stated the order was intended for parliamentary debate this week, with final approval set for Friday before taking effect on Saturday. However, the judge ruled that if Palestine Action’s appeal succeeds, the ban’s enforcement would be suspended.
Ammori’s legal team asserts that authorities failed to adequately explain the grounds for restricting her rights or allow her to present arguments before the decision. Additionally, they claim that while consultations took place with the Israeli government and defense firms, affected groups—including Liberty, Amnesty International, and other organizations—were not given the same opportunity.
Supporting witness statements from Liberty, Amnesty International, and the European Legal Support Center allege the government is misusing counter-terrorism laws to suppress opposition.
Ammori stated, “The court’s decision to fast-track this hearing underscores the gravity of the case and its potential impact on free speech and protest rights. Defining political activism as terrorism would mirror tactics used by authoritarian states and set a dangerous precedent. Painting warplanes or disrupting weapons factories linked to Israel’s largest arms supplier, Elbit Systems, is not terrorism.”
Palestine Action maintains its campaigns aim to halt severe violations.
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