Why it matters:
More than 2,000 people have been arrested for supporting the "Palestine Action" group, with some facing up to 14 years in prison and lifelong criminal records. The case proves growing concerns about the misuse of terrorism legislation to suppress political dissent.
The big picture"
Last month, UK courts ruled against the government’s attempt to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
Activists argue the state is using Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act to target them at airports and protests, reflecting a broader clampdown on civil liberties.
Comparisons have been drawn to historical repression, with speakers warning that Britain is “losing the peace” by eroding freedoms won after WWII.
What they’re saying:
Elizabeth, activist: “I am doing this to know that I was on the right side of history.”
Guil Muray, former Just Stop Oil member: “They think because they call them terrorists, they can start treating them like terrorists.”
UN message to Starmer: The crackdown represents a breach of human rights.
Protest speaker: “The Nazis locked people up for what they thought and said… Now we are losing the peace and getting more oppression.”
Chants at protest: Condemnations of the Terrorism Act and calls to defend free speech.
Go deeper:
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