The UK's High Court has ruled that the banning of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation was unlawful, in a decision seen as a serious blow to the British government. The ruling came after a lawsuit brought by the group's co-founder, Huda Ammori, who hailed the result as a "monumental victory".
According to the court, the ban significantly interfered with the right to freedom of expression and assembly, being considered disproportionate in relation to the group's activities. Judge Victoria Sharp argued that only a small number of the organization's actions could be categorized as terrorism and that its activities had not reached the level to justify such a ban.
However, the ban still remains in effect until further court hearings, meaning that public support or membership in the group continues to be considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The decision is expected to have a direct impact on hundreds of court cases scheduled for this year, as many could be postponed or dropped. The Metropolitan Police have announced that they will no longer make immediate arrests of protesters expressing support for the organization, but will collect evidence for possible future action.
The decision also noted that the ban had created a self-censorship effect on citizens, including journalists, academics and civil rights organizations, who had changed their behavior for fear of violating the law.
The ban was imposed by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after an incident in which activists entered an air force base and damaged two military aircraft. The court found that her decision had disregarded the principle of proportionality and the Home Office's own policies.
Ammori's lawyers have until February 20 to present further arguments, while new hearings are expected that will decide whether the ban will be finally lifted and whether the case will go to the Court of Appeal.
In her reaction to the decision, Ammori described it as a victory not only for fundamental freedoms in Britain, but also for the Palestinian cause.
