The prosecution of leading human rights barrister Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court, stemming from his closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, has caused significant concern and fear among lawyers, according to the Criminal Bar Association chair. Senior legal figures have criticized the move, believed to be the first such prosecution.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori expressed confidence in overturning the group's terrorism ban, vowing victory in courts or "on the streets." The Court of Appeal upheld the ban, reversing a High Court decision. Ammori criticized the ruling and highlighted the "political" nature of the case.
The Court of Appeal has ruled the ban on Palestine Action lawful, overturning a previous High Court decision. This means over 3,000 individuals arrested since the ban could face prosecution, sparking anger and fear among protesters who view the ban as a "grave misuse of sweeping counter-terrorism powers."
Britain's Court of Appeal has ruled that the government's proscription of activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was lawful, overturning a lower court's decision. The court found the group promoted unlawful violence, despite claims it curtailed free speech.
The Court of Appeal has overturned a lower court's ruling, upholding the ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. This decision reverses a previous finding that the proscription of the direct action group was unlawful, offering relief to the government amid ongoing civil disobedience campaigns.
Shams 'Sadiq' Sadiq, a 51-year-old Manchester cafe owner, alleges Greater Manchester Police (GMP) offered him financial benefits and immunity from low-level offenses in exchange for informing on Palestine Action, a banned direct action group, after his devices were confiscated during an arrest related to the group.
A report by QMUL and Defend Our Juries claims the UK is creating 'new political prisoners' by jailing climate and Palestine activists. The study highlights increased anti-protest laws, lengthy sentences, and the use of civil injunctions leading to custodial sentences.
President Trump is escalating pressure on Cuba, openly suggesting U.S. military action. This follows criminal charges against Raul Castro for a 1996 shootdown and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Caribbean.
Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching judge’s directions with his closing speech at trial of six activistsA leading human rights barrister has won an appeal against his referral for contempt of court over his closing speech during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching the judge’s directions in the trial of six people for a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
Jordan Devlin, who was acquitted at trial where four co-defendants were convicted, says he was saving livesA Palestine Action activist who was acquitted over a protest at an Israeli arms manufacturer’s UK site has said he and his five co-defendants “did the right thing”.Four of those who stood trial with Jordan Devlin were convicted of criminal damage in relation to the direct action protest at the Elbit Systems UK site near Bristol on 6 August 2024 but he said they were acting to save Palestinian lives. Continue reading...
Rajiv Menon KC accused of defying judge’s orders to not inform jury of right to acquit on basis of conscienceA leading human rights barrister is facing contempt of court proceedings after he was accused of defying a judge’s orders during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC is accused of breaching the judge’s directions while giving his closing speech in the trial of six people in relation to a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
Around 200 protesters greeted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Hatzola ambulance service in Golders Green on Thursday, holding 'Jew harmer' signs, following Wednesday's stabbing of two Jewish men declared a terrorist incident. Nigel Farage also visited, claiming Iranian operatives arrived on small boats, as politicians scrambled to respond to antisemitism concerns.
The Court of Appeal is hearing a challenge to the UK's ban on Palestine Action, the first direct action protest group to be proscribed. Lawyers argue the ban breaches human rights, creates a 'culture of fear' among pro-Palestinian campaigners, and violates the Home Secretary's own policy. Over 3,000 people have been arrested since the ban for displaying solidarity placards. The five-judge panel is expected to deliver judgment at a later date.
A study of 1,375 Extinction Rebellion members by University of St Andrews researchers finds that criminalising direct action climate protests in the UK increases activists' determination to undertake disruptive demonstrations. Arrest, fines and prison sentences may actually radicalise nonviolent protesters, with those who have experienced repression reporting less fear of future action. The research published in Nature Climate Change found 17% of UK climate protests resulted in arrests compared with 6.3% internationally.
More than 130 prominent scholars, writers and activists including Sally Rooney, Greta Thunberg and Brian Eno have written a seven-word letter to the Court of Appeal supporting Palestine Action ahead of next week's appeal hearing on the lawfulness of the ban. The letter, stating "We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action", is the first time high-profile figures have collectively defied the ban. Three senior judges ruled in February that the ban was unlawful but allowed it to remain pending appeal, which begins Tuesday.
Over 130 prominent figures including authors Sally Rooney, musicians Brian Eno and Nadine Shah, philosopher Judith Butler and environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt have signed a six-word letter backing Palestine Action ahead of a Court of Appeal hearing. The letter states 'We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action' and marks the first time scholars, writers and activists have collectively defied the ban on the direct action protest group, which was ruled unlawful by the High Court in February but remains in place pending appeal.
