Adam Straw KC and Rabah Kherbane act for United Nations Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights in Palestine Action proscription judicial review and interim relief hearing

Adam Straw KC and Rabah Kherbane represent the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, in the judicial review claim by the co-founder of Palestine Action to attempt to prevent proscription of the organisation Palestine Action. Palestine Action is a direct action protest group.

Adam and Rabah are instructed by Daniel Machover and Laura Chapman of Hickman & Rose.

The UN Special Rapporteur’s evidence, and submissions on his behalf, were cited during the hearing. This included submissions on the definition of terrorism, the threshold for “serious” criminal damage within s. 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000, proportionate use of proscription, and the application of international legal standards.

The High Court today accepted there was a serious issue to be tried, but did not grant interim relief. This is usually an exceptional remedy in this context. The Claimant immediately appealed the refusal for interim relief to the Court of Appeal. The permission hearing will be heard on 21 July 2025, when the case will be considered in full. 

The judicial review claim raises fundamental issues of constitutional law, the definition and limits of the term “terrorism” under the Terrorism Act 2000, and the lawful and proportionate use of proscription powers by the Home Secretary.