Complaint Lodged with UK Regulator Against 'Vexatious' Pro-Israel Legal Group
UK Lawyers for Israel faces investigation over allegations of legal intimidation against Palestine supporters.
LONDON: A group of pro-Israel lawyers is under scrutiny by the UK's Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) due to claims that they have engaged in 'vexatious' legal actions targeting Palestine solidarity advocates.
The Public Interest Law Centre and the European Legal Support Center have lodged a complaint with the SRA, asserting that UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has violated professional conduct standards through what they describe as legally baseless threats intended to silence pro-Palestine activism.
These allegations involve accusations of 'strategic lawsuits against public participation' (SLAPPs), a form of litigation aimed at suppressing freedom of expression on matters of public interest, according to the SRA's definition of SLAPPs as 'abusive litigation' that undermines both free expression and the rule of law.
The complaint arises from several instances where UKLFI allegedly contacted organizations planning pro-Palestine events.
Notably, Caroline Turner, a director at UKLFI, approached the Scottish Storytelling Centre regarding a Palestinian film festival scheduled in Edinburgh, claiming it included 'antisemitic and anti-Zionist' elements.
Turner demanded the festival's cancellation, threatening to refer the center to the Scottish charity regulator if her demands were not met.
Similarly, UKLFI intervened against the Cornelius Cardew Concerts Trust over a planned event titled 'The World Stands With Palestine,' alleging that promotional materials potentially breached the Terrorism Act and stirred up hatred against Jews and Israelis by sympathizing with Hamas.
In response to these claims, UKLFI positions itself as an organization advocating for Israel through legal research, advocacy, and campaigning against BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) efforts.
However, critics argue that their actions are intended to intimidate and chill public discourse on Palestine, emphasizing the need for the SRA to intervene and uphold professional standards.
The SRA has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and stated they are currently investigating the matter before determining next steps.
The Public Interest Law Centre and the European Legal Support Center have lodged a complaint with the SRA, asserting that UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has violated professional conduct standards through what they describe as legally baseless threats intended to silence pro-Palestine activism.
These allegations involve accusations of 'strategic lawsuits against public participation' (SLAPPs), a form of litigation aimed at suppressing freedom of expression on matters of public interest, according to the SRA's definition of SLAPPs as 'abusive litigation' that undermines both free expression and the rule of law.
The complaint arises from several instances where UKLFI allegedly contacted organizations planning pro-Palestine events.
Notably, Caroline Turner, a director at UKLFI, approached the Scottish Storytelling Centre regarding a Palestinian film festival scheduled in Edinburgh, claiming it included 'antisemitic and anti-Zionist' elements.
Turner demanded the festival's cancellation, threatening to refer the center to the Scottish charity regulator if her demands were not met.
Similarly, UKLFI intervened against the Cornelius Cardew Concerts Trust over a planned event titled 'The World Stands With Palestine,' alleging that promotional materials potentially breached the Terrorism Act and stirred up hatred against Jews and Israelis by sympathizing with Hamas.
In response to these claims, UKLFI positions itself as an organization advocating for Israel through legal research, advocacy, and campaigning against BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) efforts.
However, critics argue that their actions are intended to intimidate and chill public discourse on Palestine, emphasizing the need for the SRA to intervene and uphold professional standards.
The SRA has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and stated they are currently investigating the matter before determining next steps.
