Just last week, UK legislators voted to make Palestine Action, a campaign group that has operated since July 2020, into a terrorist organization. This decision marks a huge turnaround in the British government’s stance towards the group. The organization is best known for its often-controversial disruptive tactics, most recently aimed at corporations that supply arms to Israel.
Palestine Action direct action against what it calls “corporate enablers.” They darkly name the companies Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defense contractor, and French multinational Thales. This gang of disruptors has become infamous for their headline-grabbing protests. They were arrested after blocking access to an Elbit facility in Bristol and occupying the roof of a Suffolk subcontractor company with ties to Elbit. These protests have focused attention on their opposition to Israel’s militarized, racist state actions in Palestine.
Government Response and Financial Impact
In July, the UK government claimed Palestine Action had inflicted £6.8 million in damage through its direct action. Lawmakers opted to designate the network a terrorist outfit. This move signals their increasing frustration as legislators with the lack of action on this group’s lawless activity and increasing threats to national security. The proscription provides law enforcement with a wide berth to act. They can arrest and detain anyone associated with the organization.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, said the government’s move was an act of “unprecedented legal overreach.” He underscored that these powers would result in extreme limitations on civil liberties.
“Using them against a direct-action protest group is an egregious abuse of what they were created for.” – Sacha Deshmukh
The fiscal impact of Palestine Action’s activities has spawned additional debate among legislators. Critics contend that these tactics of the group are polarizing. They are concerned that considering them terrorists would be an unconstitutional overreach, chilling free speech and peaceful dissent.
Reactions from Lawmakers and Activists
Reactions from different members of Congress have underscored how fraught this decision is. UK – Zarah Sultana, a member of the ruling Labour party, has publicly criticized the classification. She stated, “Let us be clear: to equate a spray can of paint with a suicide bomb isn’t just absurd, it is grotesque. It is a deliberate distortion of the law to chill dissent, criminalise solidarity, and suppress the truth.” Sultana offered her support to Palestine Action, saying that she hopes they think of this proscription as an abuse of power that shouldn’t have happened, as she does.
In response to the proscription, Palestine Action have announced their intention to contest the proscription in court. An emergency hearing is scheduled for this Friday. It will surely explore the government’s designation and how it has affected civil rights.
Protesters packed outside Westminster to make their displeasure with this decision known. In doing so, they announced their resistance to what they view as an assault on free speech and activism. The atmosphere at the summit highlighted the broader struggle over the goals of Palestine Action and how to achieve them.
The Broader Context
The classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization raises questions about government priorities and the balance between national security and civil liberties. Opponents warn that this law would start a dangerous trend of silencing opposing viewpoints and restricting lawful protest conduct.
Though discussions are ongoing, the impact of this decision will surely play out in the political arena as well as the courtroom. The urgent hearing provides Palestine Action an important opportunity to dispute the government’s claims. They will boldly take to the streets to protect this sacred and rare opportunity.
