Metropolitan Police to Resume Arrests of Palestine Action Supporters
The Metropolitan Police has announced it will recommence arresting individuals for supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Previously, the force had suggested that officers would be unlikely to make arrests following a High Court ruling in February, which declared the government's ban on the group under anti-terror legislation unlawful.
However, as the ban remains effective pending a Home Office appeal, the Metropolitan Police stated it has revised its enforcement strategy from its earlier "interim position."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman explained the decision:
"That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action. We must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date."
"We must do that consistently and without fear or favour," he added.
"While the High Court has found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it has confirmed the impact of that judgment will not take effect until the government's appeal has been considered which could take many months."
High Court Ruling and Government Response
In a High Court ruling last month, three senior judges determined that although Palestine Action had engaged in criminal activities to advance its objectives, its actions did not meet the stringent criteria required to classify it as a terrorist organisation.
Following the judgment, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her disappointment and confirmed the government would pursue an appeal.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Since the group was banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 last summer by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,700 individuals have been arrested for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action.
At mass protests, demonstrators have displayed signs bearing slogans such as "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action."
The trials of hundreds of people accused of holding these placards have been postponed pending the ongoing legal dispute over the group's proscription.
Earlier this month, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that these cases would be delayed until after the High Court Appeal concerning the ban is resolved.
Legal Implications of Proscription
The proscription of Palestine Action renders it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
