Britain challenges court decision that Palestine Action ban was unlawful
The British government is appealing a High Court ruling that declared its ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action unlawful, arguing the restriction does not unduly affect freedom of expression. Palestine Action, designated a terrorist organization in 2025, had targeted Israel-linked defense firms, particularly Elbit Systems, leading to widespread arrests. The appeal coincides with ongoing criminal trials related to protests and property damage, while enforcement of the ban briefly paused before resuming earlier this month.
- ▪Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization in 2025 under UK terrorism laws.
- ▪The High Court ruled in February 2026 that the ban was unlawful, though it remains in effect during the appeal.
- ▪Over 2,700 people have been arrested for supporting Palestine Action, with more than 500 detained after police resumed enforcement.
- ▪The group focused its protests on Elbit Systems, Israel's largest defense company, including a 2024 raid where six activists were acquitted of aggravated burglary.
- ▪Six individuals linked to Palestine Action are currently on trial for criminal damage, with one also accused of assaulting a police officer.
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Britain challenges court decision that Palestine Action ban was unlawfulSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 28, 2026, 09:03 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 10:13 PMListenLONDON, April 28 - Britain on Tuesday sought to uphold a ban on pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, which it has designated a terrorist organisation, after a court ruling that the move unlawfully interfered with freedom of expression.Palestine Action, which had increasingly targeted Israel‑linked defence companies in Britain with a particular focus on Israel's largest defence firm Elbit Systems, was proscribed under terrorism laws last year.London's High Court ruled in February that the ban was unlawful, although it remains in force pending the outcome of the government's appeal, which began…
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