US blacklists Palestine Action as terrorist organisation
The US Treasury has designated the UK-based group Palestine Action as a specially designated global terrorist, enabling asset freezes. The group was proscribed under UK terrorism laws last year and is challenging that ban in the Supreme Court. A co-founder said the US action was inspired by Britain's repression of the movement.
The US Treasury’s designation freezes any US-held assets of Palestine Action and bars American citizens and firms from engaging with the group. This follows the UK’s unprecedented proscription of the direct-action organisation under terrorism law in July 2025, a ban currently being challenged before the UK Supreme Court. The Treasury cited incidents dating back to 2020, including damage to military equipment and injuries to British police officers.
The sanctions were announced alongside actions against two other groups, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framing the move as targeting “far-left extremists.” Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori, who leads the legal challenge, argued the US action mirrors Britain’s “repression” and warned it sets a global precedent for criminalising protest. The group’s activities have focused on disrupting Israeli-linked defence firms and installations.
This designation could significantly chill lawful protest and direct action in both the US and UK, as activists may fear financial targeting or travel restrictions. It may also embolden other governments to adopt similar terrorism labels for political movements, potentially narrowing civil liberties. The legal challenge in the UK Supreme Court could set a precedent for how far anti-terror laws extend to non-violent civil disobedience, affecting future protest movements and their supporters.