Quakers call for immediate lifting of Palestine Action proscription after court ruling

Source: Quakers in Britain

Quakers in Britain have issued the following statement on today's High Court ruling that Palestine Action proscription was unlawful:

We welcome the High Court's recognition that the proscription of Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act was unlawful. We call for the immediate lifting of the proscription order which remains in place.

This judgment confirms the serious risks posed when counter-terrorism laws are used in ways that undermine freedom of conscience, religion and peaceful dissent.

The proscription of a direct-action protest group continues a worrying trend of state repression against dissent including the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023. The UK is the only country in western Europe to have its civic freedom classed as "obstructed" by Civicus.

Quakers have warned since 2000 when the Terrorism Act came into force that it is too broad, too vague and a threat to civil liberties. In particular, extending the definition of terrorism to include damage to property takes the UK's approach far beyond international norms.

Dozens of Quakers have been arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act for holding placards in support of Palestine Action since the proscription came into force.

Peaceful, nonviolent action must not be treated as terrorism, even indirectly. The decision validates Quakers' concern that faith-based peace witness was placed at risk.

Quakers now call for:

- Immediate lifting of the proscription and review of related arrests and prosecutions.
- A wider review of terrorism legislation and how it affects religious freedom and protest.
- Better mechanisms for faith groups to be heard when laws intersect with faith and conscience.

LINK

Quakers in Britain: www.quaker.org.uk