The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the United Kingdom’s recent decision to outlaw activist group Palestine Action, calling it a “disturbing” misuse of counter-terrorism law. The ban, enacted under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, took effect earlier this month after group members caused £7 million in damages by vandalizing aircraft at an air force base in southern England.
Turk stated that the British government’s action appeared “disproportionate and unnecessary,” raising concerns about the growing trend of equating non-violent protest with terrorism. “The decision risks hindering the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms across the UK,” he warned.
The ban criminalizes not only membership in Palestine Action but also public expressions of support, including wearing clothing that could suggest affiliation with the group. Offenses under the ban are punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Turk noted that under international human rights standards, terrorist acts must involve intent to cause death, serious injury, or hostage-taking for the purpose of intimidation—not acts of protest or property damage. The rights chief emphasized that the sweeping measures being enforced against peaceful demonstrators blur the line between protest and terrorism.
Since the ban took effect, UK police have arrested at least 200 individuals involved in protests, most of them non-violent. Palestine Action denounced the move as an attack on free speech, a sentiment echoed by Turk, who warned the ban imposes “impermissible restrictions” on freedom of expression and assembly.
Turk urged the UK government to revoke the proscription, drop legal action against protesters, and revise its counter-terrorism laws to meet international human rights standards. He concluded, “Protected expression is not terrorism.”
