LONDON: The British government’s decision to ban the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action under terrorism laws is facing scrutiny after a secret intelligence assessment found most of the group’s activity “would not be classified as terrorism,” the New York Times reported on Friday.
The Labour government outlawed the group in July under the Terrorism Act, putting it on the same footing as around 80 other organizations, including Al-Qaeda and Daesh.
The move criminalized membership, support and financing of the group, and hundreds of protesters have since been arrested for showing solidarity.
Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis defended the designation, citing “clear advice and intelligence” after what he called an “escalating campaign involving intimidation and sustained criminal damage.”
Palestine Action, founded in 2020, has carried out break-ins and vandalism at facilities linked to Israel’s weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, and in June activists damaged aircraft during a raid on Britain’s largest air base.
