Royal Courts of Justice

Rajiv Menon KC faces contempt of court charges over a closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, causing concern among UK legal professionals about restricted speech. The trial judge referred the case to the High Court, asserting a 'case to answer,' despite prior appeals questioning the process.

The article argues that Britain is moving toward authoritarianism under the guise of protecting against immigrants, Muslims, and left-wing groups. It highlights the Court of Appeal's upholding of a ban on the activist group Palestine Action and criticizes the role of outgoing Labour leader Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in eroding civil liberties.

Climate-impacted communities in Asia, including survivors of Super Typhoon Rai in the Philippines, are pursuing legal action against fossil fuel companies like Shell, arguing historic emissions worsened climate disasters. A 2025 lawsuit claims Shell's operations contributed to the typhoon's devastation, marking a first-of-its-kind civil case linking a fossil fuel giant to climate impacts in the Global South.

Oxfordshire county council won a legal victory regarding the display of England flags on lampposts. Leader Tim Bearder faced backlash over an injunction to maintain a neutral, safe space for residents.

A UK judge has renewed contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC, a lawyer representing Palestine Action defendants, after a prior attempt was ruled unlawful. Justice Johnson alleges Menon breached court directions during a closing speech, despite a Court of Appeal ruling that the initial referral was improper. The proceedings are described as unprecedented in English legal history.

Activists from the Palestine Action group were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 4 years and 8 months to 7 years and 8 months for damaging Elbit Systems' UK factory during a 2024 protest. The UK government labeled the sentences as connected to 'terrorism,' but the jury convicted the activists solely on charges of criminal damage and grievous bodily harm without intent.

More than 100 supporters of Palestine Action were arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice after judges ruled the group's ban was lawful.

The UK Court of Appeal upheld the government's ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, citing its support for violence. The group, which targeted Israel-linked defense companies like Elbit Systems, had challenged the ban, arguing it violated free speech, but the court ruled the prohibition proportionate.