"I observe that large numbers of arrests have reportedly been made for displaying placards or banners expressing solidarity with the organisation or disagreement with the government's decision to proscribe it. I am aware that support' for a proscribed group is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. In this regard I recall that domestic legislation designed to counter terrorism' or violent extremism' must not impose any limitations on fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, that are not strictly necessary for the protection of national security and the rights and freedoms of others."
"Changes following the adoption of the Police Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023 continue to allow authorities to impose excessive limits on freedom of assembly and expression, and risk overpolicing."
"Hundreds of people have been arrested since the Palestine Action ban under the Terrorism Act came into effect on 5 July, mainly for holding signs reading: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action."
A Council of Europe human rights commissioner urged review of UK protest laws following mass arrests after the proscription of Palestine Action. The current legal framework and recent policing and public order legislation enable authorities to impose excessive limits on freedom of assembly and expression and risk overpolicing. Hundreds of arrests since 5 July have included people holding placards declaring opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. Domestic counter-terrorism provisions must not restrict fundamental rights beyond what is strictly necessary for national security and the rights of others, and recent court findings challenge some regulation definitions.
#freedom-of-assembly #freedom-of-expression #terrorism-act-2000 #public-order-and-policing-legislation
Read at www.theguardian.com
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