“Allowing this proscription to stand represents another step in the ongoing crackdown on the right to protest in this country,” he said, calling on the government to withdraw the ban and reverse measures that restrict demonstrations.
Akiko Hart, director of the civil liberties group Liberty, also criticised the ruling, describing the proscription as a disproportionate use of counter-terrorism powers.
“We are disappointed about this judgment and believe this proscription is a disproportionate use of counter-terror powers,” Hart said.
She warned that the decision could make it easier for future governments to use terrorism legislation against non-terrorist groups, activists and political opponents.
“There is an urgent need to update the current definition of terrorism to enable current, and future governments to uphold their duty to safeguard the public and national security, whilst protecting people’s rights and preventing overreach,” Hart said.
There have been around 3,000 arrests linked to support for Palestine Action since the ban was imposed last July, according to local media.
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