The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday imposed sanctions on three organizations under Executive Order 13224, designating them as supporters of terrorism. The targeted groups are Italy-based Autistici/Inventati, UK-based Palestine Action, and Spain-based Masar Badil, which the U.S. alleges operates on behalf of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network.
The sanctions, enforced by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, block the groups’ access to U.S. financial systems and prohibit transactions with American individuals or entities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a release that the action targets ‘far-left extremists, their fronts, and their enablers,’ emphasizing that ‘political terrorism has no place in society.’
Autistiti/Inventati, a volunteer-run collective, provides digital services such as website hosting, encrypted email, and online communication tools. The U.S. alleges these services are used by violent left-wing groups, though the organization denies the claims, calling itself a provider of ‘digital self-defense’ tools for activists.
Palestine Action, a UK-based group, was sanctioned for alleged break-ins at defense facilities and military installations, resulting in injuries to law enforcement officers and millions in damages. The British government designated Palestine Action a terrorist organization in July 2025, following a coordinated interagency review.
Masar Badil was sanctioned for its alleged ties to Samidoun, a network the U.S. and Canada designated as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-listed foreign terrorist organization. The Treasury Department described Masar Badil as operating to support Samidoun’s activities.
Reactions to the Sanctions
Autistiti/Inventati responded in a statement posted on its blog, Cavallette, calling the allegations ‘false’ and vowing to continue operations. The group described itself as a small, independent collective providing communications tools to activists and organizations globally.
Palestine Action has faced legal challenges in the UK, including a July 4, 2025 hearing in London regarding a temporary block of its proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000. The group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, contested the designation, arguing it infringes on free expression rights.
Policy Context and Broader Implications
The sanctions follow a wider interagency effort under the Trump administration to counter far-left extremism. Over the past year, the Treasury Department has investigated multiple nonprofit groups and activists, including Marxist influencer Hasan Piker and CodePink co-founders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans, for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions against Cuba. None of the individuals named have been charged with crimes.
The Treasury’s actions align with a State Department report released Tuesday, which accused Autistiti/Inventati of providing services to overseas terrorist groups and contributing to chaos in American cities. The report did not specify incidents or evidence linking the collective to violent acts within the U.S.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Sanctioned entities are prohibited from accessing U.S. financial markets, and any U.S. person or business found engaging in transactions with them risks penalties. The move effectively severs their ability to operate internationally, as U.S. financial dominance makes compliance nearly universal.
Background on Designated Groups
- Autistiti/Inventati: A technology collective founded in Italy, providing digital infrastructure to activist groups. The U.S. alleges its services are used by violent extremists, while the group describes its work as promoting online privacy and free expression.
- Palestine Action: A UK-based direct-action group known for confrontational protests at military and defense industry sites. The British government’s 2025 designation cited repeated violations of security protocols and harm to personnel.
- Masar Badil: A transnational organization accused of funneling resources to Samidoun, which the U.S. links to the PFLP. Samidoun has denied terrorist ties, framing its work as advocacy for Palestinian prisoners.