World News

Supreme Court begins hearing challenge to Palestine Action ban

Two-day hearing opened in London as police arrested about 25 demonstrators outside the court.

Published Nov 4, 2026 · 17:43 UTC4 reports

The short version

A two-day hearing on Palestine Action's terrorist proscription opened Wednesday at the UK Supreme Court in London.[Al Jazeera]
Co-founder Huda Ammori argues the ban disproportionately limits free speech and protest, while the home secretary calls it lawful.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
About 25 protesters were arrested outside the court, and Amnesty International calls the decision a misuse of terrorism powers.[Al Jazeera]

A two-day hearing on the proscription of Palestine Action began Wednesday at the UK Supreme Court in London.[Al Jazeera]
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year.[Al Jazeera]
About 25 protesters were arrested outside the court on Wednesday, according to the Press Association.[Al Jazeera]
Huda Ammori said ahead of the hearing that she would argue the ban has a disproportionate effect on free speech and the right to protest.[Al Jazeera]
Raza Husain KC, representing Ammori, told the five judges that Palestine Action never advocated violence against the person.[The Guardian]
In written submissions, Sir James Eadie KC said the Court of Appeal decision under challenge was lawful and proportionate.[The Guardian]
Amnesty International's UK Law and Human Rights Director, Tom Southerden, described the decision as a misuse of terrorism powers.[Al Jazeera]

Whether the proscription is lawful and proportionate is disputed; the government defends it and critics, including Ammori and Amnesty International, contest it.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
The outcome of the appeal is not yet known; the reporting describes only arguments heard at the hearing.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.