In a historic ruling, the UK High Court ruled in favor of Palestine Action, thus reversing the government’s earlier designation of the organization as a terrorist group. This ruling brings an end to a protracted legal battle that ensued after the Home Secretary banned the organization in 2025.
According to reports, the move was in response to claims that Palestine Action had damaged Royal Air Force planes in Oxford, a claim that led then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ban the organization on July 5, 2025. The ban came with severe consequences, including up to 14 years in prison for anyone who supports or is a member of Palestine Action, as well as up to six months in prison for those who wear Palestine Action T-shirts or show affiliation with the organization.
However, in a unanimous ruling, three senior judges ruled that the organization’s activities did not amount to terrorism as defined by the law. The court pointed out that while Palestine Action was indeed an activist and direct action group, its activities were not aimed at frightening or intimidating the public, which is a key element in the UK’s anti-terror laws.
The Palestine Action coordinator, Huda Amouri, described the ruling as a “victory for justice and freedom of expression,” emphasizing the need to distinguish clearly between activism and terrorism. “Our activities highlight injustice, not against civilians. Today’s ruling shows that protests cannot be muzzled by general allegations of terrorism,” she added.
Despite the court ruling, the government’s ban will remain in place until the next court hearing scheduled for February 20, 2026. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced the government’s appeal, which shows that the battle is far from over.
The case has reignited a national discussion on the boundaries of political activism, civil disobedience, and government authority. Legal analysts believe that the ruling may set a precedent for the future treatment of activist groups by anti-terror legislation, possibly redefining the boundaries of protest and criminalization.
As the news spreads through online and offline media channels, Palestine Action supporters welcome the ruling, while its critics warn of the dangers of relaxing the current restrictions imposed on groups labeled as terrorists. In the coming weeks, the government’s appeal is expected to focus further attention, keeping the spotlight on this major legal and political struggle.
