Just this month, the UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This ruling has sparked a firestorm of anger and resistance on the US. This recent action holds the activist organization in company with such well-known bad actors as the Islamic State and al-Qaida. Public opinion is turning quickly against U.S. support for the continuing war on Gaza. Consequently, the government’s action has ignited an intense discussion about civil liberties and the right to protest.
Palestine Action is best known in the U.K. for its militant, direct-action tactics that fight for Palestinian rights. As of late, they came under fire for claims of vandalism, including supposedly attacking a golf resort owned by Donald Trump in Turnberry, Scotland. In March, according to reports, group members descended on the resort and vandalized it. They were arrested for painting pro-Palestinian messages on campus and defacing their own course. The organization was said to have inflicted at least £7 million ($9.5 million) in damages to two Royal Air Force fighters stationed at a UK military base. They used red paint and crowbars to get inside in a serious breach of security that officials described as intentional vandalism.
The government’s moves come in direct response to demands made by Yvette Cooper, the ruling Labour Party’s senior home minister accountable for national security. She contends that Palestine Action’s protests have endangered national security. She concluded that their actions have caused “grave destruction” on property, and thus fit the legal definition of domestic terrorism. Protecting public safety is why Cooper said such a designation was necessary.
Due to this designation, more than 200 people have been arrested for nonviolent demonstrations in support of Palestine Action. Among them, 81-year-old Deborah Hinton, a retired magistrate. In July, she was arrested for carrying an anti-fracking sign outside Parliament supporting the work of Palestine Action. Hinton was a total of seven hours in a police holding cell. She framed her experience as an encapsulation of the national, systematic civil rights erosion taking place.
“The rights to demonstrate and other rights are being eroded systematically by the government,” – Deborah Hinton [observer.co.uk]
“We are on a slippery slope to all demonstrations being banned,” – Deborah Hinton [observer.co.uk]
Public protest against the government’s position is growing fast. Our understanding is that at least 500 participants are pre-registered to attend the “lift the ban” protest this Saturday, which is stirring up considerable excitement. This gathering reflects growing frustration among citizens as images of suffering in Gaza circulate widely, prompting a reevaluation of attitudes toward the conflict.
Jon Farley, a retired Philadelphia school principal, was arrested for standing silently with a sign depicting cartoons on a stick that advocated for better government policies. Eighty-year-old Marianne Sorrell suffered almost 27 hours in jail. This occurred shortly after authorities raided her home on account of her role in the protests. The Rev Sue Parfitt, 83-year-old retired priest of the Church of England, was arrested for sitting peacefully outside Parliament. She carried a sign in solidarity with Palestine Action.
Critics of the government’s actions responded that as far as measures like this go, it’s a massive abuse of state power. Alice Clack, an activist who participated in the protest, witnessed firsthand how troubling this was. She says it points to bigger problems about freedom of speech in general.
“How has the government got itself into this mess … over people peacefully expressing their opinions?” – Tim Crosland [The Guardian]
“This is a gross abuse of state power,” – Alice Clack [The Guardian]
As protests throughout the country grow more intense, the issues of civil liberties surrounding their suppression have become a national discussion. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police suggested that some groups may be “plotting” to overwhelm police and court systems amidst these tensions. Yet the police’s exaggerated response has been rightly condemned from all sides.
The current upheaval is only intensified by Cooper’s threats of more actions against anyone associated with Palestine Action. She also noted that disturbing data suggests there are plans for additional attacks related to the group. The details remain largely hidden due to the still-active legal battles.
“Those who seek to support this group may yet not know the true nature of the organisation. But people should be under no illusion – this is not a peaceful or non-violent protest group,” – Yvette Cooper [The Guardian]
This complex circumstance exemplifies the challenging tradeoff between national security and civil liberties in the UK. Support for Palestinian rights is growing rapidly. Public sentiment is swiftly turning against military action in Gaza. The real challenge will be watching the government steer through these choppy waters as the tide of public outcry continues to swell.