UN Rights Chief Criticizes UK Ban on Palestine Action: Calls for Repeal
UN Urges Review of Counter-Terrorism Legislation Following Proscription of Palestine Activist Group
The United Nations rights chief has expressed serious concern over the UK's ban on activist group Palestine Action, describing it as a 'disturbing' misuse of counter-terrorism legislation.
Volker Turk stated that the ban seems disproportionate and unnecessary, raising concerns that such laws might be applied to conduct not amounting to terrorism.
The ban, enacted under Britain’s Terrorism Act 2000 after Palestine Action activists broke into an air force base in southern England, resulted in damage estimated at £7 million.
Turk criticized the broad implications of the ban, which criminalizes membership or support for Palestine Action and even wearing clothing that could raise 'reasonable suspicion' of such affiliation.
The UK police have since arrested over 200 individuals during protests against the ban, many of which were peaceful.
Palestine Action has condemned its outlawing, stating that it infringes on free speech rights.
The UN high commissioner for human rights agrees, arguing that the ban unjustly restricts the rights of those associated with or supportive of Palestine Action without engaging in criminal activities.
The situation highlights concerns about the conflation of protected expression and conduct with acts of terrorism, potentially leading to a chilling effect on the exercise of legal rights.
Turk has called for the UK government to repeal the ban on Palestine Action and to review its counter-terrorism legislation in light of international human rights norms and standards.
Volker Turk stated that the ban seems disproportionate and unnecessary, raising concerns that such laws might be applied to conduct not amounting to terrorism.
The ban, enacted under Britain’s Terrorism Act 2000 after Palestine Action activists broke into an air force base in southern England, resulted in damage estimated at £7 million.
Turk criticized the broad implications of the ban, which criminalizes membership or support for Palestine Action and even wearing clothing that could raise 'reasonable suspicion' of such affiliation.
The UK police have since arrested over 200 individuals during protests against the ban, many of which were peaceful.
Palestine Action has condemned its outlawing, stating that it infringes on free speech rights.
The UN high commissioner for human rights agrees, arguing that the ban unjustly restricts the rights of those associated with or supportive of Palestine Action without engaging in criminal activities.
The situation highlights concerns about the conflation of protected expression and conduct with acts of terrorism, potentially leading to a chilling effect on the exercise of legal rights.
Turk has called for the UK government to repeal the ban on Palestine Action and to review its counter-terrorism legislation in light of international human rights norms and standards.
