The Take Is direct action for Palestine 'terrorism'? The UK says it is
Jul 10, 2025
Hil Aked, a London-based author and activist for Palestine, dives deep into the UK's controversial classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. They unpack what this means for civil liberties and the activism landscape, particularly focusing on recent protests challenging the designation. The discussion also covers the legal ramifications of direct action protests against military support for Israel, drawing parallels to historical instances of governmental repression. Aked emphasizes the ongoing resilience of movements despite such challenges.
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Broad Terrorism Definition Misused
- The UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group despite their nonviolent direct actions against military suppliers.
- This broad terrorism definition includes serious property damage but no harm to people, illustrating overreach.
Civil Disobedience at Parliament Square
- After the ban, protesters intentionally broke the law at Parliament Square to show opposition.
- Their arrest aimed to underscore the absurdity of equating peaceful protest with terrorism.
Erosion of Civil Liberties in UK
- UK anti-terror laws increasingly suppress civil liberties and freedom to protest, especially in Muslim communities.
- This reflects anxiety in Western governments leading to abandonment of democratic freedoms.