Palestine Action has reportedly launched a secret website to recruit new members for further direct action.
The protest group’s original website was blocked after the UK government designated it as a terrorist organisation last week.
Palestine Action said it would continue its activity “regardless of the name it falls under” and set up the website for what it described as a “new collective” just an hour before it was officially designated as a terrorist organisation.
Dubbed Direct Action Training, the new website has its internet protocol address in Iceland, according to the Telegraph.
The landing page for the site reads: “Direct action has proven time and time again to be the most effective route to create the material conditions for the change we want.”
The group has been using Signal, an encrypted messaging app, to redirect potential recruits to its new website.
In a message via Signal, the group said: “While Palestine Action is banned, we do not want this draconian move from the Home Secretary to deter your dedication to your solidarity with Palestine.
“Direct action is for everyone, regardless of the name it falls under. We do believe that by staying focused and targeting the heart of the war machine again and again, the people will be able to shut the Zionist supply chain.”
Potential recruits for the protest group are required to answer 14 personal questions to test one’s “dedication to the Palestinian cause”.
After initial housekeeping questions, prospective members must also answer questions testing their understanding of direct action, their experiences of protesting, and their political ideologies. The form adds that training will be aimed at “dismantling the Zionist war machine in the UK.”
The recruitment form bares resemblance to the process deployed by Palestine Action prior to its designation to a terror organisation.
The former recruitment process asked candidates to name existing members who could vouch for them. It also specified that it was looking for those with expertise in “climbing”, “organisational skills”, and whether applicants were prepared to drive in circumstances that could “risk points on your license.”
Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation after members vandalised two Voyage aircrafts at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last month, causing £7 million worth of damage.
The group unsuccessfully asked the High Court to block the government from proscribing it as a terrorist organisation. Judges refused to grant the block.
This weekend, an 83-year old priest was among 29 protesters arrested on suspicion of terror offences duroing a demonstration in support of the group.
In response to the arrest, Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, told Laura Kuenssberg: “The law does not have an age limit, whether you’re 18 or 80. If you’re supporting proscribed organisations, then the law is going to be enforced.”
There are currently 81 organisations which are proscribed international terrorist groups, including Hamas and al Qaida.
