Palestine Action activists will not be sentenced as terrorists, judge rules

Key Points:

• Five Palestine Action activists in the UK, convicted of causing £212,000 damage to a Barclays bank branch in protest against its ties to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, will not be sentenced under terrorism laws, a judge ruled at Preston Crown Court.
• The activists expressed relief that they were not treated as terrorists, emphasizing their charges related to criminal damage, while their supporters celebrated the ruling as a victory for protest and Palestine.
• The case highlighted the controversial use of "terrorist connection" laws, which have been applied uniquely and recently to Palestine Action activists, raising concerns about targeting protest groups under counterterrorism legislation.
• Since Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025, over 3,500 people, many elderly, have been arrested for supporting the group, prompting criticism from rights organizations who view the ban as government overreach.
• Amnesty International UK called for the proscription of Palestine Action to be lifted and for an end to the misuse of counterterrorism powers against protesters, urging the government to protect the right to protest as a vital democratic tool.