The Labour government introduced anti-terrorism legislation 25 years ago targeting extreme crimes associated with serious violence for political ends. Recently, MPs voted to ban Palestine Action, an activist group accused of property damage, with penalties up to 14 years for support. UN experts advise that property damage protests not intended to cause injury shouldn’t be classified as terrorism. This decision sparked condemnation from numerous lawyers and advocacy groups. The inclusion of extreme organizations in the same order made it difficult for opposition within Parliament.
The Labour government introduced anti-terrorism legislation 25 years ago, emphasizing that it was targeting extreme crimes that involve serious violence for political, religious or ideological ends.
UN experts warned that acts of protest damaging property but not intended to kill or injure should not be treated as terrorism.
MPs voted 385 to 26 to proscribe Palestine Action under the 2000 legislation, with a maximum penalty of 14 years for membership or support.
Hundreds of lawyers, cultural figures, and groups such as Amnesty International have condemned the ban, indicating it is lamentable that MPs backed it.
Collection
[
|
...
]