Signs supporting banned group accused of terror placed on Women of Steel statues
Signs hung on landmark statues in support of banned group
Sheffield’s iconic Women of Steel statues were used as a display board for messages in support of controversial group Palestine Action.
The statues, which commemorate the women who were drafted into Sheffield’s steelworks during World War Two to replace the men who were called up for the armed forces, were spotted yesterday morning wearing signs starting: “I oppose Genocide” and “I support Palestine Action”.
Campaigners say that over the last nine months, thousands of people, including over 20 from Sheffield, have been arrested for holding signs carrying similar words in protest against the Government's ‘proscription’ of Palestine Action as a "terrorist organisation".
The ban was ruled unlawful by the High Court on February 13 this year, with the Government appealing the ruling.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “As the High Court acknowledged, Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism and is not an ordinary protest or civil disobedience group. The Court also found that its actions are not consistent with democratic values or the rule of law.
“There are many lawful ways to support the Palestinian cause without being a member or supporter of this harmful organisation as the Court agreed.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further until the Court of Appeal proceedings conclude.”
Officials say Palestine Action remains proscribed, and that the normalisation of support for a proscribed organisation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.