Police Scotland take action against demonstrators showing support for banned group Palestine Action during large-scale protests in the Scottish capital.
19:35, 06 Sep 2025Updated 19:58, 06 Sep 2025
People take part in a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries in support of Palestinian people in Gaza outside Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government building in Edinburgh(Image: Ewan Bootman/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Three people were arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday, September 6, following protests outside the Government building.
Two men, aged 67 and 82, were held in connection with the Terrorism Act, while a 63-year-old man was arrested over a suspected hate crime. Police say enquiries are ongoing into a number of offences linked to the legislation.
Officers carefully assessed the situation amid large crowds, prioritising public safety. The material collected is now being reviewed, with further action expected.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “While these protests were largely peaceful and without incident, we did identify a number of offences relating to the Terrorism Act. Substantial evidence was gathered at the time and will form the basis of a post-incident investigation.
People take part in a demonstration(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation. Our role is to keep the public safe while respecting the rights of those who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We value the strong relationships we have with our communities and are grateful for their ongoing support.”
The arrests come after Police Scotland warned that anyone showing support for banned terrorist group Palestine Action at demonstrations this weekend would face enforcement. The group was proscribed by the UK Government in July following raids on an RAF base, with membership or public support now carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Ahead of Saturday’s protest, officers said anyone wearing clothing or carrying items showing support for Palestine Action would risk arrest. “The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group,” a spokesperson said. “It is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of, or express support for, a proscribed organisation. Any enforcement will be proportionate and in line with UK legislation.”
Protesters defied police warnings by holding signs reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” during a sit-down demonstration outside the Scottish Government building.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The demonstrations followed a legal request from former First Minister Humza Yousaf, who argued in the Daily Record that peaceful protesters backing Palestine Action should be able to demonstrate without fear of prosecution. The request was rejected by the Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris on behalf of Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain.
Meanwhile, anti-immigration campaigners staged a separate protest outside the Scottish Parliament, displaying Union flags and placards reading “Stop the Boats.” Stand Up to Racism Scotland said its counter-protest drew three times as many people.
Police Scotland stressed their commitment to balancing the right to protest with public safety. “Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life,” the force said. “Abusive or threatening behaviour intended to disrupt an event or pose a risk to safety is not legitimate protest. Every situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”