CAGE International Senior Director Moazzam Begg has warned that the UK’s anti-terror legislation is being weaponised to silence dissent, describing a planned day of civil disobedience as “a defence of basic freedoms”, Al Jazeera reports.

His comments follow the UK government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organisation, after the group sprayed red paint on two military aircraft — an act intended to draw attention to Britain’s support for Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Since the ban came into effect, hundreds of people have been arrested for holding placards referencing Palestine Action – or Palestine more broadly – in what rights groups say amounts to a dangerous suppression of free expression.

In response, Defend Our Juries and partner organisations are calling on at least 500 people to join a coordinated protest on August 9.

“This action is not about Palestine Action, but wider issues of how anti-terror legislation curtails basic freedoms and undermines the rule of law … There can be no doubt that such laws have been, and continue to be abused and exploited to suppress free speech,” Begg said.

“How can it be a crime to call for an end to apartheid and genocide? The planned action on 9 August is motivated by the highest moral principles that have underpinned our society and made it the envy of the world,” he added.