A LEGAL challenge to the “draconian” ban on Palestine Action was launched in the Scottish courts today, seeking to have it overturned.

Former diplomat Craig Murray served Scottish Solicitor General Ruth Charteris with notice of the petition to seek a full judicial review of the proscription.

The basis of the challenge is that the ban contravenes the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, as enshrined in articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

It also argues that the measure is unfair and disproportionate as Palestinian Action was not consulted before it was imposed.

The legal action is distinct from a case being brought against the ban in England and Wales by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori, which is due to be heard at the High Court in November.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by British government in July, after it claimed responsibility for damage to warplanes at RAF Brize Norton.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries said more than 2,000 people across Britain have since been arrested for expressing their support for the group, many by holding signs with the slogan: “I oppose genocide in Gaza. I support Palestine Action.”

Defend Our Juries said if Mr Murray’s challenge was successful, it could cause “a constitutional crisis,” as it would result in the proscription of Palestine Action being declared unlawful in Scotland but not in England and Wales.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We wholeheartedly support this legal challenge and the Scottish people’s right within their legal system to seek to overturn this absurdly authoritarian ban which has been imposed by Westminster.”

The Home Office argued that Palestine Action had engaged in activity that “puts the safety and security of the public at risk,” including criminal damage, intimidation and violence.