The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned three organizations and two individuals, citing their ties to violent far-left extremism. Among those sanctioned are UK-based Palestine Action, the Masar Badil network, and Italy’s Autistici Inventati. This decision is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to curb support for groups alleged to have connections with terrorism.
The sanctions were executed under Executive Order 13224, which gives the U.S. the authority to block the properties of designated terrorists and their supporters. Notably, this is distinct from the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation, which is managed by the State Department. OFAC linked Masar Badil through the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization since 1997. The Treasury Department emphasized that far-left extremists and their allies are under increased scrutiny, with the U.S. aiming to cut their financial channels. More detailed information about the sanctions is covered in an article on JURIST.
Palestine Action, previously proscribed by the UK under the Terrorism Act 2000, is accused by OFAC of activities such as break-ins at military installations that have resulted in significant damage and injuries to law enforcement officers. These acts allegedly extend to promoting similar tactics within the U.S. and at the U.S.-Mexican border. In response, Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, challenged the designation, pointing to concerns over free speech and civil liberties.
Masar Badil, reportedly connected to Samidoun, includes leaders like Khaled Barakat and Mohammad Khatib, who have previously faced sanctions. Two leaders, Zaid Abdulnasser in Germany and Rawa Alsagheer in Brazil, were also designated in the latest action.
Regarding Autistici Inventati, the group is known for providing web hosting and encrypted communication tools to far-left factions, according to the Treasury Department. Their listed associations include the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, designated a terrorist organization due to its historical tactics leading to significant casualties in regions like Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria. These developments follow the State Department’s recent designation of networks linked to Antifa and the policy of visa restrictions on certain groups, indicating a broader initiative to address far-left violence.
The sanctions place those designated on the OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals List, which effectively blocks their property within U.S. control and restricts American individuals from participating in unauthorized transactions with them. This action comes in the wake of legal challenges, including a Supreme Court hearing in the UK over Palestine Action’s proscription, slated for November.