Story perspectives

London Court Deems Palestine Action Ban Unlawful, Mixed Verdicts

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

London’s High Court ruled the government’s proscription of Palestine Action unlawful, but the ban stays pending appeal.
Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were acquitted of criminal damage.
Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Zainab Rajwani and Samuel Corner were convicted of criminal damage, Corner’s conviction including bodily harm after striking Sergeant Kate Evans, fracturing her spine.
Defendants dismissed their barristers and gave closing speeches, saying they acted to save Palestinian lives.

History

Historical Context

On 30 January 1972 the British Army’s 1st Parachute Regiment opened fire on a Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association march in Derry, killing 13 of the 26 unarmed protesters. The Widgery Tribunal (April 1972) and the Saville Inquiry (1998-2010) later deemed the killings unjustified, shaping UK courts’ scrutiny of security bans such as today’s High Court ruling on Palestine Action.

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Story summary

London’s High Court ruled the government’s proscription of Palestine Action unlawful, but the ban stays pending appeal.
Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were acquitted of criminal damage.
Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Zainab Rajwani and Samuel Corner were convicted of criminal damage, Corner’s conviction including bodily harm after striking Sergeant Kate Evans, fracturing her spine.
Defendants dismissed their barristers and gave closing speeches, saying they acted to save Palestinian lives.

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