Palestine Action-linked detainee to stand in UK local elections

Arab News :

A pro-Palestine activist held on remand in the UK will stand as a candidate in May’s local council elections, according to recent local media reports.

Amu Gib, who has been in custody since July 2025 while awaiting trial over alleged links to direct action by the group Palestine Action, was selected by the Islington Community Independents to run in a north London ward.
The charges relate to an alleged break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists are accused of damaging aircraft they believed were connected to UK support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Gib has not been convicted of any offense.

The 30-year-old recently took part in a hunger strike organized by Prisoners for Palestine, which lasted 49 days and ended in December.

Supporters said Gib’s candidacy aims to raise awareness of the war in Gaza as well as local issues, including housing and education. If elected, Gib would be able to carry out council duties remotely while remaining in custody, under UK law.

Islington Community Independents said the campaign would focus on both local concerns and broader political issues, including UK policy on Israel and Palestine.

Meanwhile, the case comes amid a legal dispute over the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action.

Britain’s High Court ruled earlier this month that the group’s proscription under anti-terrorism laws was “disproportionate and unlawful,” saying most of its activities did not meet the threshold for terrorism and that the ban interfered with the right to protest.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would appeal the ruling, leaving the legal status of more than 2,500 people arrested for alleged support for the group uncertain.