UN Condemns UK Proscription of Palestine Action Under Terror Laws

The UK government's decision to ban the activist group Palestine Action under counter-terrorism legislation has sparked significant criticism, including from the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, who described the move as a disproportionate misuse of terrorism laws that restricts fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The ban criminalizes membership, support, or even wearing clothing associated with the group, with penalties up to 14 years in prison, despite the group primarily engaging in non-violent direct action like property damage. UN officials emphasized that terrorism laws should be confined to acts intended to cause death or serious injury, not property damage, making the proscription appear inconsistent with international human rights standards. Locally, Derry City and Strabane District Council passed a motion opposing the ban, condemning the UK government's complicity with Israel’s policies in Gaza, though concerns about the legality of supporting the group remain. Reports reveal that UK government advisers and intelligence agencies found little evidence that Palestine Action posed a violent threat, but political pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists influenced the decision to proscribe the group. This crackdown occurs amid ongoing UK support for Israeli actions in Gaza, highlighting tensions between domestic policy and human rights advocacy.