UK charges Palestine Action co-founder in latest attack on free speech
The activist is being charged over two speeches that he made, Palestine Action said on social media | Richard Barnard, the cofounder of pro-Palestinian activist group, Palestine Action, was charged under the Terrorism Act by UK police on 29 August. ■ Barnard is being accused of “expressing an opinion that is supportive of a proscribed organization contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.” He also faces two charges of encouragement or intention to encourage criminal damage. A hearing will be held at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 September. ■ The charges against Barnard originate from a probe launched by the UK Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) unit into a protest held on 8 October, one day after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, in Manchester.