Palestine Action Co-founder Granted Supreme Court Challenge Against Proscription
Legal battle over 'terrorist organisation' designation escalates, impacting numerous ongoing cases.
Callum Smith
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, has secured the right to challenge the Home Office's decision to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation at the Supreme Court.
Palestine Action faced proscription as a terrorist organization in July 2024; the ban took effect on July 5, 2024. Then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper enacted the proscription in July 2025, triggering immediate legal challenges.
Incidents preceding the proscription included members reportedly breaking into RAF Brize Norton and vandalizing jets. These actions occurred in protest against the conflict in Gaza, drawing significant attention.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, stated, "This further evidences our case that the proscription of Palestine Action has become a vehicle for a far broader crackdown on expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people."
This unprecedented attack on free speech and the right to protest in this country is already having a chilling effect at a time when speaking out about Israel’s crimes could not be more urgent.
Ammori also asserted, "This unprecedented attack on free speech and the right to protest in this country is already having a chilling effect at a time when speaking out about Israel’s crimes could not be more urgent." She claims the proscription now serves as a mechanism for a broader suppression of Palestinian solidarity.
This legal challenge unfolds amidst significant public and political pressure. Police arrested 77 people at a protest outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court for expressing support for Palestine Action.
Furthermore, officers arrested two protesters during the construction of a small platform for a planned demonstration event. These arrests occurred as tensions escalated around the group.
Court records show the case will expedite, with a hearing expected between October and December. This accelerated timeline creates significant logistical hurdles within the justice system.
Over 3,500 individuals arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action now face cases on hold. Their legal proceedings await the resolution of the group's proscription legality.
Defendants travelling from Yorkshire, Wales, and Merseyside complained of 'chaos' at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. They stated they had not received notification that their hearing was not taking place.
Tim Crosland claims the system lacks the capacity to manage this influx, predicting "chaos" and asserting, "This is falling at the first hurdle." The judicial infrastructure strains under the pressure.
Claire Jeffrey indicated that I had not received notification of her hearing's adjournment. Marji Mansfield reported receiving instructions that she 'must attend' for her first hearing, only to receive contradictory advice.
Claire Jeffrey stated she had not received notification of her hearing's adjournment. Marji Mansfield reported receiving instructions that she 'must attend' for her first hearing, only to receive contradictory advice.
Mansfield later received a letter advising, 'Please do not attend court on July 30 unless you receive further instructions directly from Westminster Magistrates’ Court.' This conflicting guidance highlights systemic disarray.
The courts service now faces a bill running to thousands of pounds. This sum will compensate defendants who travelled unnecessarily, adding financial strain to the logistical challenges.
High Court judges had previously found the ban unlawful. They argued that only a small number of Palestine Action’s activities amounted to terrorism, concluding the group’s acts had not crossed the high bar for proscription.
However, the Court of Appeal previously ruled the group's proscription under terrorism laws lawful. This conflicting judgment set the stage for the Supreme Court's critical intervention, elevating the legal stakes.