Yesterday we delivered our letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer — signed by over 500 of you — calling on the Government to end the use of terrorism laws against non-violent protestors.
And in breaking news today, five UN Special Rapporteurs and an independent expert have condemned the UK’s proscription of a non-violent protest group as “not justified”, “unnecessary”, and a move more common in authoritarian states.
In their letter, the UN experts warn that the use of terrorism legislation against peaceful activists represents a grave infringement on civil liberties and freedom of expression. They write:
“Mere property damage is not sufficient to constitute terrorism according to international standards.”
and go on to warn that:
“Abuse of laws to proscribe organisations as terrorist that are not genuinely so has more commonly occurred in States that are authoritarian... It is deeply concerning that such practices appear to have spread to a number of liberal democracies.”
Their words echo exactly what we said in our letter to the Prime Minister:
“Peaceful protest is not terrorism; it is a fundamental democratic right.”
Hundreds of you have already spoken out — and the international community is now adding its voice. Together we are building a movement for compassion, truth, and justice.
If you haven’t yet added your name and this issue speaks to you, please do so today — every voice strengthens the call for compassion and democracy.
And if you can, please consider a small donation to help us keep up the pressure.
Finally, please help us spread the message far and wide by sharing on social media
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The Government is already shifting its position on several key issues. Yesterday it announced a review of its stance on compensation for WASPI women; a reversal of the two-child benefit cap also looks set to follow.
Now is the moment to tell them to move on this too. Together, we can.
With thanks and solidarity,
Jennifer Nadel
Co-Director, Compassion in Politics