Government’s Use of Terrorism Powers Against Protest Groups Sets Concerning Precedent

Responding to today’s announcement that Palestine Action will be proscribed a terror group, Liberty’s Director Akiko Hart said:

“This a concerning escalation of how the Government treats protest groups and uses terrorism powers. Proscribing a direct-action protest group in this way potentially sets a new precedent for what we do and do not treat as terrorism.

“We’re worried about the chilling effect this would have on the thousands of people who campaign for Palestine, and their ability to express themselves and take part in protests. Proscribing Palestine Action would mean that showing support for them in any way – for example, sharing a post on social media or wearing a logo – could carry a prison sentence.

“MPs must strongly consider the necessity and proportionality of this move by the Home Secretary when they debate the matter in Parliament – as well as the precedent this worrying expansion of terrorism powers would set for our democracy.”