Officers have told that anyone displaying vocal or visual support for Palestine Action will uphold the law and make arrests where necessary.
Protestors have been warned about showing visual or verbal support to Palestine Action(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Scots cops have warned they will take action on protestors showing support to a banned terrorist group at pro-Palestine demonstrations this weekend.
Officers have told that anyone displaying vocal or visual support for Palestine Action will uphold the law and make arrests where necessary.
The message from Police Scotland chiefs comes ahead of a planned protest in Edinburgh – one of many scheduled to take place in Scotland over the weekend.
Palestine Action were declared a terrorist group by the UK Government earlier this year after they raided an RAF base. Under the Terrorism Act 2000 it is an offence to show support, or be a member of the organisation.
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf wrote in the Daily Record how peaceful protestors who backed Palestine Action should evade prosecution in Scotland.
However, the Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris rejected the request on behalf of Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain.
More than 700 people have been arrested across the UK since the group was proscribed in July.
Police Scotland have outlined their approach and expectations for their policing operations at this weekend’s demos.
A statement from the force reads: “Policing plans are in place this weekend for planned protests and as part of this, we would like to outline our approach and explain what people can expect from us.
“The position on how protests are handled by policing in Scotland has not changed.
A Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in Edinburgh(Image: PA)
“Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. We want to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest and counter protest. Every week we have Police Liaison Teams who work with various protest groups across Scotland who engage with us, and we help them understand protest activity that can be done within the law. Engagement and communication is crucial.
“We are proud of our approach and feel it’s important to be clear on what becomes unlawful behaviour.
“Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest.”
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Police Scotland say anyone wearing clothing or carrying an item in public that shows support Palestine Action Group will face enforcement
They added: “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.
“This 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.
“People should understand this and recognise our responsibility to uphold the law. Any use of enforcement powers by officers will be proportionate and in line with Uk legislation and guidance from COPFS. Every situation is unique and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.”