The High Court has ruled that the Home Office's decision to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation was unlawful.
According to the ruling, while Palestine Action uses criminality to promote its aims, its activities had not crossed the high bar to make it a terrorist organisation, as reported by the BBC.
The decision means that expressing support for Palestine Action or taking part in its activities remains a serious criminal offence, despite the group successfully challenging the ban.
Response From Authorities
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would appeal against the court's decision, adding she was "disappointed" by the judgment.
The Metropolitan Police stated it would not arrest people for expressing support for Palestine Action until court proceedings are fully concluded.
Impact of the Ban
More than 2,000 people have been arrested at demonstrations since the ban came into force, with 170 protesters charged with allegedly showing support for the group.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said the ban had unjustly led to the arrest of thousands of people who had held up signs reading "I oppose genocide – I support Palestine Action".
Reactions to the Ruling
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson said the ban was a "grave misuse of terrorism laws" and placing the group in the same legal category as Islamic State "risked undermining public trust and civil liberties".
Green Party leader Zack Polanski welcomed the ruling, and said those charged with supporting Palestine Action should have their charges dropped.
