Taking direct action – advice to our members and supporters

BHPSC members and supporters will know that our local PSC branch has, over the years, supported a wide range of activities in support of the campaign for justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people. These activities have sometimes included support for non-violent direct action – through publicity, or endorsement, or through financial assistance.
 
We know that BHPSC members have sometimes taken part in direct action, either directly or indirectly. This is to be expected, since their support for BHPSC and their support for direct action are motivated by the same commitment – to raise awareness of the Palestinians’ struggle.
 
For this reason, the BHPSC Committee want to make sure that any of our members considering taking part in direct action, or lending their support to direct action from a distance, are aware of the possible risks in terms of criminal liability. Of course most people taking part in or supporting direct action are already fully aware of the risks, but we still felt a responsibility to draw this matter to everyone’s attention.
 
There are three trustworthy websites we recommend as sources of information and advice on this issue:

• Netpol (the Network for Police Monitoring)
• Green and Black Cross
• The human rights law firm Bindmans.

 You can find the guidance produced by these sources at these addresses:

• Netpol ‘Know Your Rights’: click here
• Green and Black Cross Guides: click here
• Bindmans ‘Insights’ Guide on Criminal Damage: click here

If you want to discuss these issues further with the officers and committee of BHPSC, feel free to contact us using the ‘Contact Us’ link at the foot of this page.