A court has rejected the government’s attempt to block an appeal. This appeal challenges a controversial government ban on a protest group. The Court of Appeal issued this significant ruling on Friday. It allows a judicial review to proceed next month. The Home Secretary had banned Palestine Action in July. Authorities used terrorism laws to enact this prohibition.
Therefore, the controversial government ban makes supporting the group illegal. Membership in Palestine Action is now a criminal offense. Displaying signs of support can lead to arrest. More than twenty-one hundred people have been detained. At least one hundred seventy protesters now face charges. Conviction could result in a six-month jail sentence.
Furthermore, the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, brought the legal challenge. She won permission earlier this year for a judicial review. The government then tried to stop this fast-track hearing. Ministers argued for a slower, internal appeal process. This alternative method can take over a year to complete. The Court of Appeal ultimately rejected the government’s position.
Moreover, the Lady Chief Justice, Baroness Sue Carr, delivered the ruling. She stated judicial review was a lawful challenge method. This process provides a quicker legal resolution for everyone. It also offers an authoritative judgment on the ban’s legality. This ruling can then guide lower courts handling arrests. The decision represents a substantial legal setback for ministers.
The Home Office stated it would consider the ruling’s implications. A spokesperson defended the controversial government ban. They cited the group’s campaign of criminal damage. The statement also mentioned alleged violence and intimidation tactics. The government insists the group remains a proscribed organization. Supporting Palestine Action will still bring legal consequences.
Huda Ammori called the court’s decision a spectacular backfire. She said the government tried to avoid judicial scrutiny. The ruling actually strengthens her legal footing for November. Her legal team can now argue more grounds against the ban. She condemns the arrests of peaceful protesters. She argues counter-terror resources are being dangerously misused.
The judicial review will now occur in November. The High Court will thoroughly examine the ban’s legality. This case tests the government’s use of terrorism laws. It also questions the definition of support for protest groups. The outcome will impact many ongoing criminal cases. This controversial government ban faces its most critical test yet.
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