UN warns US terror designation of Palestine Action will chill speech
The UN human rights office has criticized the Trump administration's decision to designate the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. UN officials argue the move is a disproportionate restriction on free speech and peaceful assembly that could have a chilling effect on civic engagement.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing international debate over the definition of terrorism and the extent to which governments can suppress disruptive protest tactics used by activist groups.
The UN human rights office said on Thursday the Trump administration's designation of the Palestine Action group as a terrorist organization was "a disproportionate and unnecessary restriction" on free speech rights that amounted to an expansive use of the term terrorism and will have a chilling effect.Washington designated Palestine Action on Wednesday as a terrorist group, saying the step was part of President Donald Trump's effort to crack down on left-wing groups in its counter-terrorism efforts.
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