Liberty responds to court’s finding proscription of Palestine Action unlawful

Responding to the court’s finding the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful, Akiko Hart, Director of Liberty said:

“We welcome the court’s finding that the proscription of PA was unlawful, but the practical effect will depend on the Government’s appeal.

“This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred, and this will continue to have a chilling effect on protest and free speech. People must be able to stand up, speak out, and take part in protest without fear of being labelled a terrorist and arrested.

“When it’s not clear what counts as terrorism, public trust collapses and without trust, counter-terror laws simply don’t work.

“There is an urgent need to update the existing definition of terrorism to enable current, and future governments to uphold their duty to safeguard the public and national security, whilst protecting people’s rights and preventing overreach.”