Know Your Rights: Palestine Action Proscription

The right to protest in support of Palestine is enshrined in both British and under various UN conventions and international human rights law. For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 

It is the most effective way to speak truth to power and expose injustice and abuse. We cannot stop raising our voices against a live-streamed genocide because we are obliged to take proactive measures ,and inspire others to do so as well, under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

What is Palestine Action?

Palestine Action is a direct action movement that seeks to end the military supply chain providing arms to Israel. Their primary focus is on Elbit systems, Israel’s largest weapons producer. They aim to maximise disruption against key corporate pillars of Israel’s military industrial complex. 

Why were Palestine Action proscribed?

Palestine Action were proscribed following years of lobbying directly from the Israeli government and Elbit Systems due to the use of effective direct action, which has caused Elbit Systems to shut down multiple factories and cost them millions in lost contracts. 

The government has used its broad powers of proscription to ban organisations under terrorism legislation, as part of its defence of Israel and enabling genocide against the Palestinians. 

Does this mean that all direct action for Palestine will be treated as terrorism?

No. While some direct action could constitute a criminal offence, the proscription of one direct action group does not outlaw direct action as a means of protest. 

Direct action and civil disobedience have always been prominent in the UK. Groups such as the Suffragettes have been celebrated for their accomplishments through their direct action.

Can Palestine Action ever be de-proscribed?

Proscription is not a final and irreversible measure. An application for de-proscription can be submitted and a further appeal process is available. Palestine Action is currently challenging the proscription at the High Court.

Four organisations have been de-proscribed to date: the People's Mujahiddeen of Iran, Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin, the International Sikh Youth Federation, and the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG).

What does “proscription” mean?

Proscription is the banning of an organisation in the UK on the basis that the government has decided it is concerned with terrorism which includes ‘encouraging, promoting or glorification’ of terrorism as well as ‘preparing acts of terrorism’ . 
Once proscribed, the group must cease to operate; membership or support of the organisation becomes unlawful and amounts to arrestable offences.

What happens when an organisation is proscribed?

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, it is a criminal offence to be a member of a proscribed organisation. It is also illegal to fund, invite and express support for the organisation.

This limits what can be shared, spoken about, or produced online and in-person, as such actions could be deemed as “support” of the organisation and/or its activities. This is a clear assault on our right to free speech.

To read more about the specific offences, please refer to the legislation here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/part/II/crossheading/offences 

What would happen if I wear Palestine Action merchandise? 

It is perfectly acceptable to wear Palestine Action merchandise in the privacy of your own home. However, if you are pictured with the merchandise and it is posted online, or police see you wearing this merchandise you can be arrested under counter terrorism powers. 

If you are under investigation for expressing support for Palestine Action, such material may be used as evidence against you. 

If you find yourself in this situation, please call CAGE on 0300 030 2243 for advice.

If I have posted in support of Palestine Action before 5th July 2025, do I have to go back and delete all these posts?

Offences under the Terrorism Act do not apply before the organisation was proscribed. This means that those posts do not constitute a criminal offence. Please be aware that if you were to repost any of these previous posts, this may constitute a criminal offence.

What would happen if I share an old action video by Palestine Action? 

It would be a criminal offence to share footage of actions taken by Palestine Action, as this could be viewed as inviting support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. 

What would happen if I share on social media ‘We are all Palestine Action’? 

It would be a criminal offence to share ‘We are all Palestine Action’ on social media, as this would likely be viewed as inviting support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. However any old posts uploaded before 5th July 2025 saying ‘We are all Palestine Action’ would not be a criminal offence. 

I have downloaded ‘To Kill a war machine’, will I be in trouble for having it on my device? 

‘To Kill a War Machine' is an independently produced film by filmmakers Rainbow Collective. As it stands, there is nothing wrong with having the documentary on your devices if you downloaded it prior to the proscription of the group.

I have taken action with Palestine Action in the past, am I at risk of arrest?

The offence of belonging to a proscribed organisation does not apply retrospectively. You are not at risk of arrest under Terrorism laws for being a member of the organisation, provided that you have not proclaimed to be a part of the organisation after the proscription was implemented.

If concerns about terrorism emerge in your case, please contact CAGE on 0300 030 2243.

For more information on how to interact with counter-terrorism police, please consult our ‘Know Your Rights’ pages, or call us for further information.

Can I remain a part of Palestine Action?

It is a criminal offence to be a member of a proscribed organisation, in this case Palestine Action. It is also a criminal offence to profess to be a member of a proscribed organisation, whether this be orally or in writing, in public or on social media.

Can I meet with former members of Palestine Action?

You can meet with former members of Palestine Action, as long as you are not meeting to encourage support for a proscribed group or further/promote its activities, as this would be a criminal offence

I have previously been arrested and tried for taking an action with Palestine Action. Can I be retried for terrorism?

No. This would be called double-jeopardy, and the requirements surrounding retrying a case make clear what types of offences can be retried. The law does not apply retrospectively. 

I have been following the Filton 18 case. Can I still support the campaign?

Yes.  

Palestine Action is not on trial, it’s the individuals who are. Advocating and supporting individuals is not a criminal offence.

I often carry a sign that reads “We are All Palestine Action”. Can I still carry it?

It is illegal to express support for a proscribed organisation. This includes carrying signs in support of it.

It is important to always remember that any public expression that may be considered support of Palestine Action, could result in criminal prosecution.

*Please note that this document is not intended to constitute legal advice. 

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