UK Court Considers Terrorism Sentencing for Palestine Action Activists
· World · Al Jazeera, New York Times
Five Palestine Action activists are awaiting a decision from Preston Crown Court on whether they will face terrorism-linked sentencing for a 2024 protest. Brendon O’Hagan, Amanda Kelly, Hmeera Atiqnisar, Mohammed Malik, and Alma Yaniv were convicted of causing 212,000 pounds in damages to a Barclays Bank branch in Burnley. The court is evaluating if the offence carries a terrorist connection, a legal designation that defence lawyers claim is being used unusually to target the group. The activists were not aware of potential terrorism charges at the time of their trial, as the group had not been proscribed as a terrorist organisation then. Judge Philip Parry is expected to deliver his ruling on Friday ahead of the scheduled sentencing on September 4.
Why it matters
The application of terrorism-related sentencing to direct action protesters could set a significant legal precedent for how UK courts handle future climate and political demonstrations. This shift directly impacts the severity of prison terms for activists involved in protests against companies linked to the Israeli defence sector.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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