Zaher Birawi, a well-known Palestinian-British journalist, broadcaster, and political activist, has expressed profound shock after discovering he has been placed on the United States Treasury Department’s Sanctions List.
Mr. Birawi, who is widely recognized as a founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was designated under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations due to alleged, yet unproven, ties to Hamas—allegations that he has firmly and categorically denied.
The punitive measures were officially announced last week by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Alongside Mr. Birawi, OFAC also designated 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 study in the 1990s and has resided there ever since. Over the decades, he has built a prominent career as a television journalist and media figure, while also holding key leadership roles within the EuroPal Forum, an organization focused on fostering dialogue between Europe and Palestine.
In a strongly worded press statement issued today, Mr. Birawi addressed the designation head-on, declaring that he rejects the move entirely and believes it is built upon flawed intelligence and a deficient legal framework.
"I categorically reject this designation and believe it is based on inaccurate information and lacks a sound legal foundation," Mr. Birawi stated. He further emphasized a significant procedural grievance regarding the lack of communication from American authorities prior to the public announcement. "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."
Highlighting the jurisdictional limits of the U.S. measure, the statement pointed out that the designation does not stem from a judicial proceeding, nor was it issued by a court of law. Instead, it represents a unilateral executive action executed strictly under United States domestic law.
"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," the statement continued. "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."
In response to the developments, Mr. Birawi revealed that he is actively consulting with a specialized legal team. The objective is to determine the appropriate legal avenues to formally challenge the decision, request a thorough review and reconsideration by the relevant authorities, and ultimately petition for the removal of his name from the sanctions list.
Drawing on past experiences, Mr. Birawi noted that this is not the first time he has had to clear his name from international scrutiny caused by erroneous data entry.
"I have previously faced false allegations which were pursued through formal legal and compliance channels," he recalled. "Those allegations were ultimately dismissed, and my name was removed from international compliance databases, such as World-Check, after it was established that incorrect information had been recorded about me."
Reiterating his innocence regarding any association with militant groups, Mr. Birawi added, "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."
As a long-term resident and citizen of the United Kingdom, Mr. Birawi positioned his career firmly within the boundaries of lawful civic participation. "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."
Addressing his specific historical ties to the PPCA, Mr. Birawi sought to clarify the exact nature and timeline of his involvement. He acknowledged that he took part in the organization’s founding conference and was subsequently elected to serve on its General Secretariat during its initial term running from 2017 to 2021. However, he stressed that he has not held any position or operational role within the conference since that term concluded.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Birawi expressed confidence that an impartial and independent examination of the facts will prove the sanctions are entirely without merit, as he moves forward with efforts to defend his professional reputation and legal rights.