Protest outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court in support of 37 being prosecuted under Terrorism Act
The 37 accused are facing charges under section 13 of the the Terrorism Act 2000
Protestors gathered outside a Scottish court in support of 37 people - including an award winning film screenwriter and a politician - who are being prosecuted under the Terrorism Act.
The demonstration involving around 50 protestors displaying and waving and displaying pro-Palestine banners and flags was held outside the main entrance to Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
The accused, including screenwriter Paul Laverty and journalist and politician Yvonne Ridley, are facing prosecution for allegedly wearing clothing in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Palestinian Action.
The 37 accused are facing charges under section 13 of the the Terrorism Act 2000.
All the cases called in front of Sheriff John Cook at the capital court yesterday and were all adjourned to notional trial diets on February 9 next year.
Prosecutors moved to delay any trial until after an appeal is heard in the case which is seeking to overturn the proscription of Palestinian Action as a terror group.
Police have also stated a 56-year-old man was arrested on leaving the court room in connection with an allegation of wearing clothing bearing a slogan in support of a proscribed organisation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 56-year-old man was arrested and charged at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 25 August, 2026, in connection with an offence under the Terrorism Act for a wearing T-shirt expressing support for a proscribed organisation.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Paul Laverty, 69, is an award winning writer and a long-term collaborator with film-maker and activist Ken Loach.
Mr Laverty has penned screenplays for films including Carla’s Song, Sweet Sixteen and I, Daniel Blake and collaborated on The Wind That Shakes the Barley, winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or award at Cannes.
Yvonne Ridley, 68, is a journalist, author and politician and is a former chair of the National Council of the now-defunct Respect Party.