LONDON: A group of prominent writers, artists, musicians and academics including Greta Thunberg, Sally Rooney and Brian Eno have written to the UK Court of Appeal in support of the protest group Palestine Action, ahead of a hearing next week on the legality of its ban and its designation as a terrorist organization by the British government
The letter consists of seven words: “We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action.” According to a report in The Guardian on Friday, it has been signed by more than 130 individuals.
It marks a rare collective move by high-profile figures to publicly challenge the ban, which has seen the group proscribed under the UK Terrorism Act.
The case follows a ruling in February in which three High Court judges found the ban to be unlawful, while allowing it to remain in force pending an appeal. The hearing is due to begin at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday.
Among other signatories are writer Tariq Ali, novelist China Mieville, musician Nadine Shah, philosopher Judith Butler, and environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt.
The wording of the letter mirrors slogans used by thousands of demonstrators who have been arrested in recent months on suspicion of expressing support for a proscribed organization.
Peter Hallward, a professor at Kingston University and one of the signatories, said the situation surrounding the ban was “absurd and contradictory,” arguing that widespread public opposition could pressure the government to reconsider.
Rooney, author of the novels “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends,” previously canceled a trip to the UK to receive an award, citing concerns she could face arrest due to her stated intention to donate proceeds from her work to Palestine Action.
In a witness statement, she warned that her support for the group could affect the availability of her books in the UK.
Thunberg was arrested in December after holding a placard at a protest referencing individuals detained in connection with demonstrations linked to the group prior to its ban.
Supporters of the letter also include individuals from several countries, including the UK, France, Argentina, Australia, Canada and the US. Some had previously signed statements urging the government to reverse the ban, or expressing solidarity with detained protesters.
Porritt said that failing to address developments in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem risked undermining broader humanitarian values, while others argued the designation raised concerns about freedom of expression.
Charles Secrett, a former director of Friends of the Earth in the UK, said equating peaceful demonstrators with violent extremist groups risked undermining legal definitions and civil liberties.
The letter has been published by Defend Our Juries, a civil liberties group, which has also invited members of the public to add their names.
Following the High Court ruling in February, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she disagreed with the judgment that proscribing the group was disproportionate.
