Hamas wants to formally challenge terrorist group label in the UK
Hamas is attempting to formally challenge the UK government’s 2021 decision to classify the entire organisation as a terrorist group, according to documents seen by Middle East Eye.
Mousa Abu Marzouk, head of Hamas’ foreign relations office, instructed British lawyers to file an appeal against the move introduced by then Home Secretary Priti Patel to wholly proscribe the group, Middle East Eye reported on April 9th.
Although the UK proscribed Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades over 20 years ago, Patel broadened the prohibition to the entire group. She argued there was no difference between the group’s political and military divisions.
A legal team comprising of Fahad Ansari, director of Riverway Law, and barristers Daniel Grutters and Franck Magennis, submitted a 106-page application to the UK’s current Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper. The application accused the 2021 move of pursuing “explicitly political objectives by a politically compromised Secretary of State.”
Riverway Law said the filing is important due to the UK’s historic role in the dispossession of Palestinians. Hamas’ application said: “The British state has been responsible for colonisation, ethnic cleaning and apartheid in Palestine.”
The lawyers clarified that Hamas did not pay for their services. Hamas argued that the proscription restricts its ability to broker an end to the conflict. It also claimed the proscription criminalises ordinary Palestinians who live in Gaza.
The application used the African National Congress in South Africa and the Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland as an example to say that the “proscription undermines the possibility of a peaceful settlement.” They also argued that the proscription violates basic freedoms such as that of speech, assembly, and political expression.
Grutters emphasised the “need for honest, intelligent, and nuanced conversations about the situation in Palestine.” He maintained that, regardless of one’s stance on Hamas, policies that silence discussion only obstruct chances for a durable resolution.
Hamas acknowledged that its activities fall within the broad definition of terrorism. However, they pointed out that many armed groups worldwide also meet this criteria, but face no ban.
Amid the troubles Hamas face with Israel’s resumed attacks and Palestinians protesting against the group, Cooper has 90 days to respond. If she rejects the appeal, Hamas can take the case to the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission.
Middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor
