TottsIn August 2024. During pre-trial hearings, defence lawyers for the #Filtin2t argued that the prosecution should be halted due to an "abuse of process."
As part of their argument, the defense alleged "collusion between the government and the Israeli state, Elbit Systems and the pro-Israeli lobby regarding the proscription," citing various meetings and communications that took place prior to the ban.
This was the evidence they produced in open court
The Timeline:
The "Terrorism Enhancement" Decision (March 2025): Internal documents revealed that the government's Proscription Review Group had actively considered the ban as early as March 2025, around the same time a judge secretly ruled that the activists could be charged with a "terrorism connection."
The Proscription Announcement (June 23, 2025): Home Secretary Yvette Cooper officially announced the proscription of Palestine Action.
The Ban Takes Effect (July 5, 2025): The group was officially designated a terrorist organization.
Did the Meetings Stop the Ban?
While the defence argued that these behind-the-scenes communications and meetings between the Home Office, Elbit Systems, and external lobbyists amounted to political interference, the presiding judge, Mr. Justice Johnson, ultimately dismissed the claim. He ruled that the communications outside of government did not come close to establishing improper conduct, and the trial proceeded.
Totts