Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 14 June 2025 | 11:05 CAT

A Palestinian man waves the green flag of Hamas during a demonstration outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on 3 July 2015 (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP) – Middle East Eye

An independent legal challenge has been launched by UK-based advocacy organisation CAGE International to remove Hamas from the United Kingdom’s list of proscribed terrorist organisations. The application, submitted under Section 4 of the Terrorism Act 2000, seeks to address what CAGE describes as a “systemic clampdown on pro-Palestine activism” in Britain.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, CAGE’s Head of Advocacy Anas Mustafa outlined the urgency of the move:

“There’s been a systemic clampdown on pro-Palestine and anti-genocide movements under the guise of counterterrorism powers.”

Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, hundreds of individuals advocating for Palestinian rights have reportedly been interrogated, detained or referred to security services under terrorism laws. Mustafa emphasised that many of these individuals are now being represented by CAGE in this application, stating the proscription of Hamas has been wielded broadly to stifle legitimate activism.

“All activism for Palestine is seen in that light, as if it’s part and parcel of support for a proscribed organisation.”

Under UK law, once an organisation is proscribed, it becomes illegal to support, praise or even recklessly comment positively about that group. CAGE argues that this broad interpretation has resulted in ordinary citizens being criminalised for exercising their right to free expression.

The core of CAGE’s legal submission is that the proscription of Hamas violates the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly with regards to freedom of expression and belief. The case is also supported by over 20 examples of individuals adversely affected by the current legislation.

“Muslims primarily find themselves targets and victims of such policies,” Mustafa added.

Two legal avenues exist for challenging a proscription: one initiated by the proscribed group itself, and the other by individuals impacted by the ban. While Hamas has reportedly initiated its own legal process, CAGE’s application represents the collective grievances of British citizens.

The appeal has now been lodged with the UK Home Secretary. If rejected, the matter will proceed to the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, a quasi-judicial body that can compel the Home Office to reconsider its decision.

“The law allows for this process, and history has shown that other groups have been removed through similar legal mechanisms,” Mustafa concluded.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with  oulana Habib Bobat and CAGE’s Head of Advocacy Anas Mustafa.