UN Criticizes UK Ban on Palestine Action: Calls for Repeal of 'Disproportionate' Measure
The UN rights chief has expressed concern over the UK's ban on activist group Palestine Action, describing it as a misuse of counter-terrorism legislation.
The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, has criticized the UK government for its recent ban on the Palestine Action activist group.
In a statement issued on Friday, he described the ban as 'disturbing' and called for its immediate repeal.
The ban, which was introduced under the Terrorism Act 2000, prohibits individuals from being members of or supporting Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
According to Turk, this decision raises serious concerns that counter-terrorism laws are being misapplied to non-terrorist activities, thereby hindering legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms across the UK.
The UN rights chief also highlighted how the ban limits the rights of individuals involved with and supportive of Palestine Action who have not engaged in any criminal activity.
He further criticized the government for its decision which could lead to a chilling effect on lawful expression and peaceful assembly.
Turk called on the UK government to rescind the ban, halt investigations against protesters arrested under this legislation, and review counter-terrorism laws to bring them into line with international human rights norms.
In a statement issued on Friday, he described the ban as 'disturbing' and called for its immediate repeal.
The ban, which was introduced under the Terrorism Act 2000, prohibits individuals from being members of or supporting Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
According to Turk, this decision raises serious concerns that counter-terrorism laws are being misapplied to non-terrorist activities, thereby hindering legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms across the UK.
The UN rights chief also highlighted how the ban limits the rights of individuals involved with and supportive of Palestine Action who have not engaged in any criminal activity.
He further criticized the government for its decision which could lead to a chilling effect on lawful expression and peaceful assembly.
Turk called on the UK government to rescind the ban, halt investigations against protesters arrested under this legislation, and review counter-terrorism laws to bring them into line with international human rights norms.
