The British state has recast protest as terrorism
Summary
The United Kingdom has a broad legal definition of terrorism that includes damaging property for political or ideological reasons. Some protest groups, like Palestine Action, have been labeled terrorist organizations, raising concerns about using terrorism laws against civil protests.Key Facts
- Terrorism in UK law can include property damage aimed at influencing the government or intimidating the public.
- The 2000 Terrorism Act’s definition has been criticized as too broad by courts and legal experts.
- The UK government decides which organizations are banned (proscribed) as terrorists.
- The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is banned in the UK, but its Syrian ally, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), is not.
- Hamas’s entire organization, including its political wing, was banned in 2021, equating civilians and fighters.
- The UK’s terrorism laws target non-state groups, while actions by states (like Israel) are not covered.
- Palestine Action, a UK protest group against arms firms supplying Israel, was banned as a terrorist organization in 2025.
- The UN Human Rights Chief criticized using counter-terrorism laws against groups like Palestine Action, and courts have contested the ban.
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