Home Office to Proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir as a Terrorist Group

The UK Home Office will outlaw Hizb ut-Tahrir, labeling it a terrorist organization following its support for Hamas attacks.

Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned the group for its antisemitism and promotion of terrorism. This follows accusations of members chanting for jihad during a rally.

Despite the group's denial of violent affiliations, it will become illegal to support or associate with them once the ban enacted by Parliament takes effect.

In a pro-Gaza rally last October, participants were recorded chanting for jihad, which can symbolize either a personal struggle for justice or a call to holy war. The upcoming ban will hold Hizb ut-Tahrir affiliates accountable, impeding the group's operations.

Hizb ut-Tahrir, established in 1953, seeks a unified Islamic government for the Muslim world, operating in over 30 countries, all of which are affected by the UK's ban.

While previous UK governments considered banning the group, legal advisers had advised against it, not finding sufficient grounds related to terrorism.

This stance changed following an October rally review, with Hizb ut-Tahrir's recent description of Hamas militants as "heroes" seen as backing terrorism. The group has faced accusations of glorifying attacks against Israel and Jews. The Labour Party's Shadow Home Secretary supports the ban.

Countries such as Germany, Egypt, and Pakistan have already banned Hizb ut-Tahrir, which the group insists is due to political motives rather than evidence of terrorist activities.