Supreme Court reviews Palestine Action ban as 25 protesters detained

The United Kingdom's highest court began a two-day session on Wednesday to hear an appeal against the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Police officers arrested approximately 25 demonstrators who gathered outside the Supreme Court in London to voice their views on the group's legal status.

Huda Ammori, a cofounder of the direct action group, told reporters before the hearing that the ban disproportionately affects the rights to free speech and protest. She argued that the current legal framework creates significant hurdles for peaceful advocacy. The group was officially proscribed by the government of then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July of last year. This decision placed Palestine Action on the same register as armed entities such as al-Qaeda and ISIL. Individuals found guilty of belonging to or supporting the group now face a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Critics of the measure have drawn attention to the treatment of the protesters arrested outside the court. One demonstrator held a placard reading, "God help us Jews who support Palestine and Palestine Action." Authorities detained the final individual in the group for carrying a sign that included the phrase, "God help us who are not married to the UK’s national security adviser who support Palestine and Palestine action." This wording references journalist Sarah Helm, who is married to the current Prime Minister's national security adviser. Helm previously posted a similar statement on the social media platform X but did not face prosecution.

Tom Southerden, the UK Law and Human Rights Director at Amnesty International, described the arrests as evidence of the government's misuse of terrorism powers. He stated in a statement that the sight of musicians, politicians, and celebrities being detained for holding placards is a grim development. Southerden noted that the arrests highlight how vague the current terrorism laws remain. Amnesty International and the rights group Liberty have both denounced the proscription since it was announced.

The legal challenge comes amid increased scrutiny of the UK government's handling of pro-Palestine voices. Last week, the government blocked Swedish academic Andreas Malm from entering the country. Officials determined that his presence was not conducive to the public good. Malm is a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which began more than three years ago. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously stated that his Labour Party had made errors regarding its stance on Gaza. Those comments have faced renewed examination following the decision to refuse entry to Malm.

Palestine Action defines itself as a movement committed to ending global participation in what it describes as Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime. The Supreme Court will continue its deliberations on the appeal, with the outcome expected to clarify the scope of the government's authority to ban organizations under terrorism legislation.