Zaher Birawi, a prominent Palestinian-British journalist, broadcaster, and political activist, has expressed profound shock and indignation following a decision by the United States Department of the Treasury to place him on its official sanctions list.
Mr. Birawi, who is widely known for his extensive media work and humanitarian advocacy, was targeted by the U.S. government over alleged ties to Hamas under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations. These allegations have been firmly and categorically denied by Birawi, who maintains that the executive measures are entirely unfounded and based on flawed intelligence.
The sweeping designation was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Alongside Birawi, the federal agency also designated The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), an organization that Birawi helped establish.
Born in the West Bank in 1961, Birawi pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom and has made the UK his permanent home since the 1990s. Over the decades, he has established a prominent profile within British-Arab and Muslim civil society, working as a television journalist, media figure, and holding key leadership roles within organizations such as the EuroPal Forum and the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, where he serves as a founding member.
In a comprehensive press statement issued today, Birawi strongly pushed back against the U.S. measures, detailing his complete lack of prior communication with American federal authorities before the public announcement of the sanctions.
"I categorically reject this designation and believe it is based on inaccurate information and lacks a sound legal foundation," 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."
Emphasizing the jurisdictional and unilateral nature of the U.S. Treasury’s actions, Birawi pointed out that the designation carries no weight under British or international legal frameworks, lacking any endorsement or mandate from judicial bodies or the United Nations.
"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 designation, Birawi confirmed that he is actively consulting with a specialized legal team to determine the most effective course of action. His legal representatives are preparing to formally challenge the decision, request a thorough administrative review and reconsideration, and petition for the complete removal of his name from the sanctions list in accordance with established regulatory procedures.
Reflecting on past challenges to his professional reputation, Birawi noted that he has previously successfully navigated similar administrative hurdles through formal legal channels. He explained that past false allegations against him were thoroughly examined and ultimately dismissed, leading to the removal of his name from international compliance databases, including World-Check, once it was verified that inaccurate records had been maintained.
"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," Birawi stated.
"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 specific points regarding his organizational history, Birawi clarified the exact nature and timeline of his involvement with The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. He acknowledged that he participated in its founding conference and was subsequently elected to its General Secretariat during its inaugural term spanning from 2017 to 2021. However, he emphasized that he has not held any position, role, or affiliation with the conference since the conclusion of that term.
Concluding his public statement, Birawi expressed absolute confidence that an objective, transparent, and independent review of the facts will expose the sanctions as entirely unjustified. He reiterated his commitment to exhausting all available legal avenues to correct the administrative error, protect his professional reputation, and safeguard his fundamental rights.