Yvette Cooper defends Palestine Action ban as 60 more faces charges

Yvette Cooper defends Palestine Action ban as 60 more faces charges

Written by Laura Thompson for The Guardian

Yvette Cooper has continued to justify the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, stating that it is more than just a typical protest group that engages in occasional stunts. In an article for The Guardian, Cooper highlighted that the group has taken responsibility for incidents that have resulted in charges of violent disorder and aggravated burglary for those involved. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has deemed these charges to have links to terrorism.

Following the announcement by the Metropolitan Police that an additional 60 individuals would face prosecution for supporting Palestine Action, Cooper’s remarks have been met with mixed reactions. More than 700 people have been arrested since the government banned the group in early July, with over 500 individuals detained during a central London demonstration. The recent arrests of 13 people in Norwich who were accused of backing the group further highlight the ongoing crackdown on its supporters.

Palestine Action has been predominantly focusing its activities on targeting arms companies since the conflict in Gaza began. Cooper’s decision to outlaw the group came after members caused significant damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton in June, amounting to approximately £7 million in losses. The Home Secretary emphasized that the group’s actions, including advocating for targeted attacks and evading law enforcement, signal that they are not a legitimate protest entity.

Despite facing criticism from rights groups, the government’s ban on Palestine Action has made membership or endorsement of the group a criminal offense carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years. While the group is set to challenge the ban in court in November, arguing that it infringes on the right to free speech and stifles legitimate protests, authorities remain resolute in their efforts to quell activities associated with the organization

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More