UK Court of Appeal Upholds Ban on Palestine Action as Terrorist Group

Britain's Court of Appeal ruled Monday that the government acted lawfully when it banned Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The five-judge panel said the group's actions amounted to terrorism because it overtly promoted unlawful violence.

Chief Justice Sue Carr said the group was not a civil disobedience organization and that it operated with covert cells to destroy property at defense companies and on military bases. "In our judgment, that premise was seriously flawed. It was not a sustainable proposition to portray Palestine Action as a non-violent organization," Carr said.

The proscription makes membership in or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Police have arrested about 3,000 people at demonstrations since the ban took effect in July 2025. On Monday, officers made additional arrests outside the Court of Appeal in London while supporters protested the decision.

The panel concluded that the proscription struck a fair balance between national security and individual rights.

and Further Appeals Co-founder Huda

Ammori said the group will seek permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights. " Anas Mustapha of CAGE International called the decision an authoritarian tool for crushing dissent. Thomas Bell of Human Rights Watch said the ruling misuses terrorism powers against acts that should be handled under ordinary criminal law.

The group was founded six years ago and has targeted facilities linked to companies that supply weapons to Israel, including Elbit Systems, Leonardo, Thales, and Teledyne. British police say the actions caused millions of pounds in damage.