UK Designates Pro-Palestinian Activist Group as Terrorist Organization
The direct action group Palestine Action is set to be officially classified as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom within hours. This decision comes after a High Court ruling dismissed the group’s application for interim relief, even as they move forward with plans for an urgent appeal.
With this designation, Palestine Action becomes the first protest group ever to be proscribed under the country’s Terrorism Act, a move that has sparked significant controversy and concern among critics.
The new designation aligns Palestine Action with groups such as Islamic State, al-Qaida, and the far-right organization National Action, reflecting the gravity with which UK authorities view their actions.
Parliamentary votes have backed the measure, with UK lawmakers approving an amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000 that now includes Palestine Action and two other organizations. This amendment, formally introduced by the Home Secretary earlier this week, passed the House of Commons by a substantial majority.
From 00:01 on 5 July 2025, being a member of or showing support for Palestine Action will be a criminal offense.
On social media, the group has indicated their intention to file an urgent appeal, arguing that the decision risks creating a scenario in which thousands could be criminalized overnight—a situation they describe as a “dystopian nightmare.”
United Nations human rights experts have voiced strong opposition to this move. In a joint statement on Tuesday, they urged the UK government to reconsider its plans, contending that labeling a political protest movement as terrorist undermines international norms.
The experts clarified that, under international law, the term terrorism should be reserved for criminal acts planned to cause death, serious injury, or hostage situations. They argued that actions resulting solely in property damage should not be equated with terrorism.
In response, the British Home Secretary defended the policy change, citing incidents in which the group targeted military and arms facilities for political purposes as justification. She emphasized that the government remains dedicated to protecting both national security and democratic values.
Palestine Action has made headlines in recent years for its persistent direct action campaigns against arms manufacturers in the United Kingdom with links to Israel. The group’s tactics often include trespassing onto properties, damaging equipment, marking walls with red paint, and displaying Palestinian flags. Authorities estimate that these actions have caused millions of pounds in damages to the arms industry.
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