UK: Police charge co-founder of Palestine Action under Terrorism Act

The co-founder of Palestine Action has been charged with violating the Terrorism Act after a series of speeches in Manchester and Bradford.

Richard Barnard stands accused of "expressing an opinion that is supportive of a proscribed organisation contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000".

Barnard, 41, will appear before the Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18 September, where he also faces two charges of encouraging or intending to encourage criminal damage.

The charges stem from an investigation by the specialised Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) unit into a demonstration held on 8 October in Manchester after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel.

Police have accused Barnard of expressing an opinion or belief in support of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, and of encouraging criminal damage.

Barnard, a co-founder of Palestine Action, is expected to appear before the Westminster Magistrates' Court (Supplied)