Ministers Accused of Defamation Over Palestine Action Ban and Mass Arrests

Published: 12 August — The English Chronicle Desk

The co-founder of the banned activist group Palestine Action has accused UK ministers of making “false and defamatory” statements about the organisation, claiming that their allegations contradict the government’s own intelligence reports. The controversy comes as public scrutiny intensifies over the arrest of 532 people under the Terrorism Act during pro-Palestine demonstrations last weekend.

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, criticised remarks by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and a Downing Street spokesperson, who labelled the group a “violent organisation” responsible for “significant injury” and “extensive criminal damage.” Ammori contended these claims were disproven in court by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), an MI5-based body. JTAC’s intelligence assessment, disclosed during Ammori’s legal challenge to the ban, acknowledged that Palestine Action “does not advocate for violence against persons” and that most of its actions “would not be classified as terrorism.”

“Spraying red paint on warplanes is not terrorism,” Ammori said. “It is those who arm and enable war crimes who are the real terrorists.”

JTAC’s secret report from 7 March stated that the group “primarily uses direct action tactics” such as graffiti, trespassing, and lock-ons, which typically result in minor property damage. Court documents also revealed that Whitehall officials considered the group’s proscription “relatively novel,” noting no known precedent for banning an organisation primarily for property damage under terrorism laws.

Civil liberties group Defend Our Juries, which has organised demonstrations in support of Palestine Action, accused the government of misleading the public. A spokesperson said: “If people defend Palestine Action publicly, they risk up to 14 years in prison simply for expressing their views.” The group vowed to hold a larger protest in early September.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it may take weeks to determine whether charges will be filed against those arrested. Many cases may be escalated to crown courts, especially under section 12 of the Terrorism Act, which allows for jury trials. However, legal experts suggest that most charges will likely fall under section 13, which are handled exclusively by magistrates courts.

Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Magistrates’ Association, warned that the criminal justice system could face significant strain if the majority of cases proceed to jury trials. Activists, meanwhile, maintain that public opinion remains strongly opposed to both the Gaza conflict and the UK government’s support for it, and insist their protests will continue despite the risks.