Ban on British-designated terror org. Palestine Action is lawful, rules UK court of appeal

London's Court of Appeal has upheld the British government's decision to ban the pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action, designating it a terrorist organization. The ruling affirms the lawfulness of the proscription, which has been a point of contention regarding freedom of expression.

Palestine Action has been active in targeting defense companies in Britain with ties to Israel, with a particular focus on Elbit Systems, Israel's largest defense firm. The group's activities led to its proscription under terrorism laws last year.

Initially, London's High Court had ruled in February that the ban unlawfully interfered with freedom of expression. However, this decision was pending the government's appeal. The Court of Appeal, led by Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, found that the group's behavior extended beyond that of a non-violent, direct-action organization.

Carr stated that the appeal court concluded the proscription was both justified and proportionate. She emphasized that it is a "fundamental mistake to overlook the fact that Palestine Action overtly promoted unlawful violence amounting to terrorism." Lawyers for the interior minister had argued that the High Court's assessment of the ban's impact on freedom of expression was overstated and incorrect.

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it is a fundamental mistake to overlook the fact that Palestine Action overtly promoted unlawful violence amounting to terrorism.