Earlier this month, British lawmakers voted to classify the pro-Palestinian movement Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This designation brings severe consequences, including a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years for any member of the group.
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Tommy Meskill, RTÉ’s London correspondent, delves into the reasons behind the ban and its implications.
In the early hours of June 20, while much of the UK was asleep, members of Palestine Action infiltrated the British RAF base at Brize Norton. The group later asserted that their actions were a response to the UK’s continued military support for Israel, stating, “Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza, and refuel US and Israeli fighter jets.” Such direct actions inevitably drew the attention of counter-terrorism officials and sparked widespread condemnation, including remarks by Prime Minister Keir Starmer who labeled the act as “disgraceful” and “vandalism.”
The incident raised serious concerns about security, particularly how individuals could breach the base’s perimeter. Reports claimed that the group caused an estimated £7 million in damages to two Voyager aircraft.
In the aftermath, four individuals—29-year-old Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 24-year-old Jony Cink, 35-year-old Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, and 22-year-old Lewie Chiaramello—were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited area with intentions deemed harmful to the UK’s safety.
Understanding Palestine Action
Palestine Action identifies itself as “a pro-Palestinian organization that disrupts the arms industry in the UK through direct action,” committed to “ending global complicity in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.” The group, established in 2020, now faces significant legal repercussions.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wasted no time in announcing the group’s designation as a terrorist organization to Parliament, citing a “long history of unacceptable criminal damage” linked to Palestine Action. The Parliament’s approval of this proscription, with a vote of 385 to 26, signifies that any support or membership with the organization could expose individuals to severe legal penalties.
Other groups with similar designations include al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Hezbollah, and ISIS, as well as groups historically linked to Northern Ireland, such as the IRA and UVF.
Though an initial appeal against the proscription was dismissed last Friday, a more comprehensive appeal is scheduled for the High Court later this month.
Protests and Community Response
Following the announcement of the ban, protests erupted in London on July 5, leading to 29 arrests, including that of 83-year-old retired priest Reverend Sue Parfitt. Demonstrating her opposition, she sat peacefully with a sign that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” As she was taken by police, she voiced her discontent, calling the ban “total nonsense” and indicative of a troubling erosion of civil liberties in the country.
The Metropolitan Police recognized the nature of the protest, stating that supporting a proscribed group is deemed a criminal offense. Reflecting on the arrests, Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley commented, “The law doesn’t have an age limit, whether you’re 18 or 80,” reinforcing a firm stance in their approach to law enforcement.
Ongoing Debate
Supporters of Palestine Action are gearing up for further demonstrations across cities including London, Cardiff, and Derry, claiming the government’s decision represents a dangerous overreach that threatens fundamental freedoms of speech. Many argue that media coverage surrounding the ban and the protests that ensued has unwittingly elevated the group’s profile.
This sentiment echoes broader concerns, such as those expressed in relation to Kneecap band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged with a terrorist offense for displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah. He is set to appear in court again on August 20.
As a judicial review of Palestine Action’s designation is slated for July 21, prominent human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce—known for her work with figures like Gerry Conlon and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange—will also take part in challenging this decision.
Though the UK government likely hoped that the proscription would diminish Palestine Action’s notoriety, the opposite may prove true. With protests on the horizon and ongoing court challenges, the dialogue surrounding Palestine Action and its implications may very well continue to resonate for some time to come.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
