Protesters defy police warnings with signs supporting Palestine Action

Protesters defied police warnings by displaying signs in support of the banned organisation Palestine Action at a demonstration in Edinburgh.

Demonstrators bearing signs saying, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”, sat down outside the main UK Government building in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The protest came after warnings from Police Scotland that showing support for the organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act.

A “No to the Far-Right” protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism Edinburgh, took place at the Scottish Parliament on Saturday, with protestors starting to gather from 11am.

A Force For Good, in association with WeSayItPodcast, held a second Enough is Enough rally, also outside the Scottish Parliament, from 12pm on Saturday.

A Force For Good, in association with WeSayItPodcast, held a second Enough is Enough rally on Saturday. STV News

People gathered at 2pm in Edinburgh on Saturday to protest the ban on Palestine Action.

It comes after the UK Government made Palestine Action a proscribed organisation in July this year, meaning membership or support for the organisation is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Ahead of Saturday’s protest, Police Scotland vowed it would enforce the law in a “proportionate way”.

A march for Scottish independence also took place at around 12.30pm on Saturday in Edinburgh. Protestors marched through Johnstone Terrace, Lawn Market, High Street, Canon Gate, and Horse Wynd to the Scottish Parliament.

Immigration and anti-immigration protests are planned at Marischal College in Aberdeen on Saturday.

Ahead of the action, Police Scotland said it was “proud” of its approach to protests and outlined what would be classed as unlawful behaviour.

An independence march took place on Saturday. STV News

A statement from the force said: “Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest.

“We know there are strong feelings towards the situation in Palestine, and people continue to express their views about that through protest and demonstrations without breaking counter terrorism laws.

“The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group as it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of a proscribed organisation or to invite or express support for them.”

That support includes “wearing clothing or carrying any item in public in such a way as to arouse suspicion that they are a member of, or a supporter of, a proscribed organisation”.

They said every situation is unique and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.