ICJP writes to Kent Police and Home Secretary over threatened terror arrest of woman who explicitly rejected support for Palestine Action, simply for opposing genocide in Gaza
18th July 2025- Today, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has written to the Kent Police and the Home Secretary, demanding a formal investigation as to why a woman was threatened with arrest on terror charges for holding up anti-genocide signs, after she explicitly rejected support for proscribed organisations when asked.
Armed police threatened peaceful protester Laura Murton, 42, for holding a Palestinian flag and having signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide”. She was threatened with arrest under Section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act, despite not saying anything or holding any signs that elicited support for any proscribed groups. When explicitly asked if she supported any proscribed organisations, she replied “I do not.”
Now, ICJP has brought a formal complaint to the Kent Police, asking for clarity regarding the conduct of officers who attempted to make false and unfounded allegations against Ms. Murton for her peaceful protest, and asked the Home Secretary for clarity on what guidance the Home Office has issued to police officers regarding protests that do not relate to Palestine Action.
This incident represents the sought chilling effect on speech and assembly of those who wish to speak out against Israel’s violations of international law, that arises from misuse and misinterpretation of terror laws since the proscription of Palestine Action. As expected, the ban is being misused to police the support for Palestine more generally, and any opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
It is noteworthy that condemning Israeli actions in Gaza or advocating for Palestinian freedom does not automatically create any connection to Proscribed Organisation or Palestine Action. Opposition to war crimes and calls for accountability under international law are not grounds for suspicion under the Terrorism Act.
This was clearly stated in paragraph 97 of the High Court ruling in the judicial review concerning the proscription of Palestine Action. In that judgment, Justice Chamberlain stated:
“It will remain lawful for the claimant and other persons who were members of the PA prior to proscription to continue to express their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and elsewhere, including by drawing attention to what they regard as Israel’s genocide and other serious violations of international law. They will remain legally entitled to do so in private conversations, in print, on social media and at protests.”
The Home Office has also faced parliamentary scrutiny, following a parliamentary question being tabled by Apsana Begum MP, asking for clarity on what guidance the Home Office had issued to police on the interpretation of placards relating to Gaza and Israel’s actions in Gaza, that bear no reference to Palestine Action.
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) does not support nor invite support for any proscribed organisation, nor does it condone the misuse of terrorism laws and the UK’s complicity in Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- ICJP is a legal organisation based in London, working to uphold international law and defend the rights of Palestinians.
- For more information or for media inquiries, or for the full complaint, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com.