Zaher Birawi, a well-known Palestinian-British journalist, broadcaster, and political activist, has expressed profound shock and dismay following a decision by the United States Department of the Treasury to place him on its official sanctions list.
Mr. Birawi, who was born in the West Bank in 1961, pursued his studies in the United Kingdom and has resided there since the 1990s. Over the decades, he has established a prominent profile within British-Arab and Muslim community circles, working extensively as a television journalist and media figure while also taking on leadership roles within advocacy groups such as the EuroPal Forum.
The punitive measures were announced by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). According to the U.S. authorities, Mr. Birawi was designated under Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations due to alleged ties to Hamas. In addition to targeting Mr. Birawi individually, the U.S. Treasury also designated The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), an organization that Mr. Birawi helped found. Furthermore, Mr. Birawi is widely recognized as a founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an activist network dedicated to challenging the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip by organizing maritime aid missions.
Responding to the development in a comprehensive press statement issued today, Mr. Birawi categorically rejected the designation, labeling it as unfounded and procedurally flawed. He stated that the decision relies on inaccurate information and lacks any sound legal foundation. A central grievance highlighted in his response is the complete absence of due process prior to the public announcement by Washington.
"I categorically reject this designation and believe it is based on inaccurate information and lacks a sound legal foundation," Mr. Birawi said in his statement. "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."
Mr. Birawi’s legal and public relations representatives have underscored the unilateral nature of the U.S. executive action. They point out that the designation does not constitute a judicial finding, was never issued by any competent court of law, and is purely a domestic measure taken under U.S. jurisdiction. Moreover, the sanctions are not backed by any United Nations Security Council resolution and carry no binding legal obligations outside the framework of United States law. Consequently, his supporters argue, the measure should not be interpreted or misconstrued as a finding of criminal liability or wrongdoing under United Kingdom law or international legal standards.
Addressing his past interactions with international compliance databases, Mr. Birawi noted that this is not the first time he has had to navigate spurious claims regarding his background and affiliations. He recalled that he has previously faced false allegations which were rigorously pursued through formal legal and compliance channels. Those earlier allegations were ultimately dismissed, and his name was successfully removed from international compliance databases, including World-Check, after it was firmly established that incorrect and defamatory information had been logged against him.
Reiterating his innocence regarding the latest U.S. measures, 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 also denied ever providing material, logistical, or financial support to any such organization.
"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," he emphasized.
In light of the Treasury Department’s decision, Mr. Birawi confirmed that he is actively consulting with a specialized legal team to determine the most appropriate course of action. His legal counsel is preparing steps to formally challenge the decision, request a thorough administrative review and reconsideration by OFAC, and seek the complete removal of his name from the sanctions list in accordance with established regulatory procedures.
Regarding his association with The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), Mr. Birawi provided explicit clarification. He acknowledged that he participated in its founding conference and was subsequently elected to serve on its General Secretariat during its inaugural term covering the years 2017 to 2021. However, he stressed that he has not held any administrative, executive, or advisory role within the conference since the conclusion of that term.
Mr. Birawi concluded his statement by expressing absolute confidence that an objective, transparent, and independent review of the facts will demonstrate that the sanctions imposed against him are entirely unjustified. He reiterated his commitment to clearing his name, correcting the administrative error, and taking every necessary step to protect his legal rights and professional reputation as a journalist and public figure.