An online crowdfunder aimed at raising money for a UK Supreme Court challenge against the ban on Palestine Action has been blocked due to US sanctions imposed on the group. The CrowdJustice platform, which facilitates fundraising for legal fees, has declined to host the fundraiser because it relies on Stripe, a US-based payment processor.
Background
In an email obtained by the Guardian, CrowdJustice stated that Stripe confirmed it "cannot support accounts or transactions linked to, or for the benefit of, Palestine Action." This includes fundraising for legal proceedings. The sanctions were enacted last month by former President Donald Trump, utilizing powers established by President George W. Bush in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks.
Legal Challenge
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, expressed frustration over the situation, stating:
“"Due to CrowdJustice’s and other platforms’ reliance on US services, we are unable to fundraise for legal fees needed for our supreme court challenge."
Ammori highlighted the disparity in funding, noting that the state has spent millions to defend the ban, which has resulted in over 3,700 arrests for individuals allegedly supporting a proscribed organization. The Home Office has reportedly spent £700,000 defending the proscription in the high court, with costs expected to rise as the case progresses to the UK’s highest court in November.
