UK Bans Non-Violent Protest Group Palestine Action

In a historic and controversial move, the UK government has officially designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, making it a criminal offence to support, join, or promote the group.

The High Court refused to block the proscription order on Friday, followed by a last-minute appeal that was rejected by the Court of Appeal late the same night. As of Saturday, the ban is in full effect.

This marks the first time a non-violent protest group has been criminalised under the Terrorism Act 2000, sparking widespread alarm among civil rights advocates.

Palestine Action is known for targeting sites linked to Israel's weapons manufacturing, often using red paint and property disruption to protest the UK's role in arming Israel. The final trigger for the ban was an operation at RAF Brize Norton, where planes were vandalised, reportedly causing £7 million in damage.

The Home Office welcomed the decision, citing the group's "unacceptable criminal damage." But legal representatives for the group slammed the move as "an authoritarian abuse of power."

Ms Huda Ammori, a prominent member of the group, responded:

"Thousands across Britain wake up criminalised overnight for supporting peaceful protest. We will not stop standing up for Palestine or the right to dissent."

The ruling means expressing public support for "Palestine Action" - including posting online or attending events - could now carry a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action has vowed to continue fighting the decision in court and on the streets.