Tony Greenstein, a 71-year-old Jewish anti-Zionist activist, socialist, and veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, is facing charges under the UK’s controversial Terrorism Act 2000. The charges stem from a social media post in which Greenstein expressed support for the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli army, a statement that British authorities have interpreted as supporting a proscribed organization.
Greenstein, a resident of the seaside town of Brighton, was first arrested in October 2023 by counter-terrorism police who questioned him over his post. While initially released on restrictive bail conditions, including prohibitions on commenting about Hamas on social media, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) formally charged him in late November 2024. Greenstein is accused of expressing an opinion supportive of Hamas, an organization designated as terrorist by the UK government.
If convicted, Greenstein could face up to 14 years in prison. “This isn’t about terrorism—it’s about freedom of speech,” Greenstein told supporters. “The British government wants to silence dissent against its unwavering support for Israel, even as Israel commits atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Court Proceedings and Restrictions
Greenstein appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in December 2024, a court specifically designated for handling terrorism-related cases. He was formally charged and is due to appear at the Old Bailey later this month, where the case will likely proceed to trial.
Describing his experience, Greenstein said, “I was banned from discussing Hamas on social media, even though I clarified in my post that I support Hamas as part of the Palestinian resistance, not as an ideology. The distinction is clear to me and many others, but evidently not to the CPS.”
He added: “This case isn’t about me. It’s about the broader right to speak freely about Palestinian resistance to occupation, a right enshrined in international law. If we lose this battle, it will set a dangerous precedent for anyone speaking out against injustice.”
A Veteran Campaigner
Greenstein has been a prominent figure in the pro-Palestine movement for decades. He is the author of Zionism During the Holocaust: The Weaponization of Memory in the Service of State and Nation and a regular contributor to The Electronic Intifada. His work critically examines the historical and political intersections of Zionism and anti-Semitism, challenging mainstream narratives.
In an earlier interview, Greenstein remarked, “The Zionist movement has always collaborated with anti-Semitic regimes for its own ends, as history repeatedly shows. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to resisting both Zionism and the ongoing oppression of Palestinians.”
A Widening Crackdown
Greenstein’s prosecution is part of a broader trend of increased government repression of Palestine solidarity activism in the UK. Over the past year, several activists and journalists have faced arrests, raids, and restrictions under the Terrorism Act.
In August 2024, journalist Richard Medhurst was detained at Heathrow Airport under the same legislation, his electronic devices confiscated. In October, police raided the home of Sarah Wilkinson, a prominent social media activist, while Professor Haim Bresheeth, a Jewish anti-Zionist, was arrested following a speech near the Israeli ambassador’s residence.
“Ironically, the people being targeted are those who stand against racism and injustice,” Greenstein said. “This isn’t about public safety; it’s about controlling the narrative. The British government is attempting to suppress any opposition to its policies, particularly its unconditional support for Israel’s actions in Palestine.”
Support and Demonstrations
Greenstein’s legal battle has drawn significant attention and support. Demonstrations were held outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court during his first hearing, with over 100 supporters in attendance. Similar protests are being organized for his upcoming court date at the Old Bailey on January 31, 2025.
“The turnout at these demonstrations shows that people are waking up to the erosion of democratic rights,” Greenstein noted. “We cannot allow the state to secretly lock people up under the guise of anti-terrorism laws. This is a fight for our fundamental freedoms.”
Greenstein has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to support his legal defense, which he hopes will shine a light on what he calls “the authoritarian creep” in British governance.
Broader Implications
Greenstein views his case as part of a larger struggle for Palestinian rights and against the suppression of dissent in the UK. “What we’re seeing is the criminalization of solidarity,” he said. “The British state is determined to align itself with Israel, no matter how egregious its violations of international law. It’s up to us to resist.”
As Greenstein’s case unfolds, the implications extend far beyond his personal circumstances. “This isn’t just about Palestine,” he said. “It’s about protecting the right to speak out against injustice anywhere. If we lose this fight, we risk losing the very freedoms that make a democratic society possible.”
Greenstein’s courage and persistence have made him a symbol of resistance for many in the Palestine solidarity movement. As one supporter at a recent demonstration put it, “Tony’s fight is our fight. If he can stand up to this repression, so can we.”
