Prominent Palestinian-British journalist and activist Zaher Birawi has expressed profound shock and indignation after being placed on the United States Treasury Department’s official sanctions list.
Mr. Birawi, a well-known media figure, founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and former television broadcaster, was targeted by Washington over alleged, yet entirely denied, ties to Hamas. The punitive measure was enacted under U.S. Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations, instantly drawing a sharp and categorical rejection from the veteran activist, who has lived and worked in the United Kingdom since the 1990s.
The designation was officially announced last week by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Alongside Mr. Birawi himself, the sweeping U.S. executive action also targeted The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), an organization that Mr. Birawi helped establish.
Born in the West Bank in 1961, Mr. Birawi moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his studies and has since established deep roots in British society. Over the decades, he has built a notable career as a television journalist, commentator, and prominent media figure within various diaspora and civic organizations, including holding leadership positions within the EuroPal Forum. His activist work has frequently centered on advocating for Palestinian rights, organizing humanitarian aid delivery, and raising international awareness regarding the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Categorical Rejection and Lack of Due Process
In a comprehensive press statement issued in response to the Treasury Department’s announcement, Mr. Birawi did not mince words regarding the unilateral nature of the decision. He categorically rejected the designation, asserting firmly that it rests upon inaccurate information and completely lacks a sound legal foundation.
Highlighting what he views as a critical breach of procedural fairness, Mr. Birawi pointed out that he was never contacted by any competent United States authority prior to the rollout of the sanctions. Whether directly or indirectly, no official reached out to him for the purpose of inquiry, verification, or to offer him a chance to provide clarifications or supporting documentation. By failing to engage with him beforehand, the U.S. authorities effectively deprived him of his fundamental right to respond, defend himself, and correct any erroneous information recorded in their files.
Furthermore, the British citizen underscored the limited jurisdiction and legal weight of the U.S. executive measure. He emphasized that the designation does not constitute a judicial finding, nor was it issued by any court of law. Instead, it remains a purely unilateral executive measure enacted strictly under United States domestic law. Because it is entirely devoid of backing from any United Nations Security Council resolution, it does not create binding legal obligations outside the framework of U.S. jurisdiction. Consequently, he noted, the action should never be misinterpreted as a finding of criminal liability or actual wrongdoing under United Kingdom law or wider international jurisprudence.
Preparing a Robust Legal Challenge
In the wake of the announcement, Mr. Birawi confirmed that he is actively consulting with a specialized team of legal professionals. Together, they are mapping out the appropriate legal steps required to formally challenge the U.S. Treasury’s decision. His legal strategy will involve requesting a comprehensive review and reconsideration of the case, with the ultimate objective of securing the complete removal of his name from the sanctions list in accordance with established administrative and legal procedures.
This is not the first time the veteran journalist has had to navigate and dismantle adverse entries on international databases. Reflecting on past hurdles, Mr. Birawi revealed that he has previously faced false allegations that were vigorously contested through formal legal and compliance channels. Those earlier allegations were ultimately dismissed, and his name was successfully cleared and removed from international compliance databases, including World-Check, after independent verification established that incorrect and baseless information had been recorded against him.
Reiterating his innocence regarding the latest accusations, Mr. Birawi stated unequivocally that he has never knowingly or intentionally maintained any operational, financial, or organizational relationship with any entity designated on international terrorism lists. He further stressed that he has never provided material, logistical, or financial support to any such organization throughout his public life.
Defending Professional Integrity and Peaceful Engagement
Positioning himself firmly within the boundaries of lawful civic participation, Mr. Birawi reminded the public of his background and ongoing commitments. He describes himself as a British citizen, a dedicated journalist, and a political activist who conducts all of his professional and public endeavors in strict compliance with British, European, and international law. Throughout his career, his work has remained steadfastly committed to peaceful political engagement and the lawful, protected exercise of freedom of expression.
Addressing his specific historical association with The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), Mr. Birawi offered clear clarification regarding his tenure and responsibilities. He acknowledged that he did participate in the organization’s founding conference and was subsequently elected to its General Secretariat during its inaugural term, which ran from 2017 to 2021. However, he emphasized that he has not held any operational role, official position, or administrative responsibility within the conference since that initial term concluded.
Concluding his public statement, Mr. Birawi expressed absolute confidence that an objective, thorough, and independent review of the facts will ultimately demonstrate that the sanctions placed against him are entirely unjustified. He stated that he looks forward to correcting this administrative error as swiftly as possible, ensuring that both his legal rights and his long-standing professional reputation as a journalist and activist are fully protected and vindicated.