Police warning ahead of pro-Palestine protest

Police have warned protestors attending a demonstration in Edinburgh that officers will uphold the law if there is visible or vocal support of Palestine Action.

The group was banned by the UK government under terrorism laws earlier this year.

The organisers, who are demanding an end to UK arms sales to Israel, said they expected thousands of people to take part.

Police said their approach would be proportionate but warned it was an offence to show support for Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror group earlier this year after activists broke into an RAF base.

Hundreds of people have since been arrested over alleged support for the group.

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf recently called for Scotland's top law officer to exempt peaceful protesters who backed Palestine Action from prosecution.

He said it was not in the public interest to prosecute non-violent individuals who expressed support for the organisation.

However, the Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris rejected the request on behalf of Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain.

Ahead of the the demonstration in Edinburgh - one of a number of protests planned this weekend across the country over a range of issues - police put out a statement outlining how they handled such events.

"Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life," it said.

"We want to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest and counter protest."

'Strong feelings'

The force added that officers worked with groups to ensure they understood what could be done without breaking the law.

"We are proud of our approach and feel it's important to be clear on what becomes unlawful behaviour," it added.

"Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest."

The statement added that police were aware there had been a recent focus on the proscription of Palestine Action and stressed that decision had been taken by the UK government.

"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," it said.

"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."

It added that any police response would be "proportionate" and they were grateful for the "ongoing support" of communities.