The European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg has overturned a decision to list Hamas and its military wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, on the terror lists, Hamas lawyer Khaled al-Shuli said.
He said the decision was taken in a public hearing held by the court on September 4.
The Hamas lawyer pointed out that the court overturned all the decisions issued against the movement and its military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Hamas, for its part, welcomed the European Court's decision, saying it was a step in the right direction.
Stations:
Hamas's position on the European terrorist lists has passed through several stations:
- In September 2001, the European Supreme Court decided to list Hamas on the EU's list of terrorism following the events of September 11, 2001.
- In December 2014, the European Court of Justice ruled that the movement was removed from the terrorist list because of a mistake in judicial proceedings.
- In January 2015, the EU appealed the judicial decision to remove Hamas from the terror list, which led to the suspension of its implementation.
In 2016, European Court of Justice Prosecutor Eleanor Sharpstone recommended removing Hamas from the terror list.
In July 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled that Hamas should remain on the European list of terrorist organizations and entities, and decided to return the case to the Court of First Instance for further consideration.