Palestine Action can challenge terror ban, judge rules
Huda Ammori was granted permission on grounds that the proscription of PA was a 'disproportionate interference with freedom of expression and freedom of protest'.
The challenge was also permitted on the basis that the Home Secretary should have consulted the group before announcing the ban.
The Government's move to proscribe the organisation came after two planes were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton on June 20 in an action claimed by Palestine Action.
Announcing the intention to ban the group on June 23, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said it was the latest in a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action'.
The ban means membership of, or support for, the direct action group is a criminal offence that is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Earlier this month, lawyers for Ms Ammori asked a judge to allow her to bring the High Court challenge over the ban, describing it as an 'unlawful interference' with freedom of expression.
Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, previously told the court at the hearing on July 21 that the ban had made the UK 'an international outlier' and was 'repugnant'.
Mr Husain added: 'The decision to proscribe Palestine Action had the hallmarks of an authoritarian and blatant abuse of power.'
The Home Office is defending the legal action.
Sir James Eadie KC, for the department, said in written submissions that by causing serious damage to property, Palestine Action was 'squarely' within part of the terrorism laws used in proscription.
He said: 'There is no credible basis on which it can be asserted that the purpose of this activity is not designed to influence the Government, or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, and for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.'
The vandalism of the two planes caused an estimated £7m of damage.
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