Zaher Birawi, a prominent Palestinian-British journalist and activist, says he has been left deeply shocked after the US Treasury decided to place him on their Sanctions List.
Mr Birawi is a founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition and was sanctioned for alleged ties to Hamas under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations – which he denies.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced last week that it officially designated Birawi and the organisation, The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), which Birawi founded.
Birawi was born in the West Bank in 1961, studied in the UK, and has lived here since the 1990s. He has worked as a television journalist and media figure and has held leadership roles in the EuroPal Forum.
In a press statement issued today, Birawi said: “I categorically reject this designation and believe it is based on inaccurate information and lacks a sound legal foundation. I would also like to state clearly that, prior to the issuance of this decision, I was not contacted by any competent US authority, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of inquiry, verification, or to provide clarifications or supporting documents. This deprived me of the opportunity to exercise my fundamental right to respond and to correct any incorrect information.”
The statement continued: “It is important to note that this designation does not constitute a judicial finding, was not issued by any competent court, and represents a unilateral executive measure taken under U.S. domestic law. It is not based on any United Nations resolution and does not create binding legal obligations outside the U.S. legal framework. It should not be understood as a finding of criminal liability or wrongdoing under UK or international law.”
Birawi also said in his statement that he is currently consulting with a specialised legal team to determine the appropriate legal steps to formally challenge this decision, request its review and reconsideration, and seek the removal of his name from the list in accordance with the procedures adopted by the relevant authorities.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
“I have previously faced false allegations which were pursued through formal legal and compliance channels. Those allegations were ultimately dismissed, and my name was removed from international compliance databases (World-Check) after it was established that incorrect information had been recorded about me. I reiterate unequivocally that I have never knowingly or intentionally had any operational, financial, or organisational relationship with any entity designated on terrorism lists, nor have I provided material or financial support to any such organisation…
“I am a British citizen, a journalist, and a political activist who conducts his work in full compliance with British, European, and international law, and who is committed to peaceful political engagement and the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.”
Birawi also clarified his involvement with the PPCA, saying that he did participate in its founding conference and was elected to its General Secretariat during its first term (2017–2021), but had not held any role within the conference since.
“I am confident that an objective and independent review of this matter will demonstrate that this designation is unjustified. I look forward to correcting this error as soon as possible in order to protect my legal rights and professional reputation.”
Birawi ended his statement by emphasising his confidence that an objective and independent review of the matter will deem the sanctions placed against him unjustified, and that he looks forward to protecting his legal rights and professional reputation.
