POLICE Scotland have issued a statement after activists defied the Labour Government’s ban on Palestine Action by wearing illegal T-shirts outside Bute House in Edinburgh.
At Saturday's national demonstration in Edinburgh against the UK Government and the media's complicity in the genocide in Gaza, a group of activists wore T-shirts stating "Genocide in Palestine, Time to Take Action" at the end of the rally.
Officers were in attendance, but no arrests were made. An earlier protest at 11am by campaign group Defend Our Juries also saw activists hold signs which stated: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
Again, no arrests where made. Meanwhile nearly 100 more people across the UK were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 for holding the signs on Saturday. At each protest, officers were informed ahead of time.
Now, Police Scotland have issued a statement, clarifying the stance of the force and investigations taking place.
Addressing the Defend Our Juries protest outside St Giles Cathedral, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Saturday, 19 July, 2025, we were made aware of images circulating online showing individuals displaying signs expressing support for a proscribed organisation in the Parliament Square area of Edinburgh.
"Officers attended, however no one was present.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
The spokesperson said: "We are aware of participants of a march wearing t-shirts and holding banners expressing support for a proscribed organisation in Edinburgh, on Saturday, 19 July, 2025.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing and the conduct and actions of those involved is being assessed and investigated.
"Officers from the local division are being supported by colleagues from Police Scotland's Counter Terrorism Unit."
According to Defend Our Juries, the total of arrests to have taken place in the aftermath of the proscription of Palestine Action to nearly 200 within a fortnight in the UK and about 280 altogether, including the 80 arrested as part of a solidarity action in the Hague on July 5.
Last year, the total number of terrorism related arrests in the UK was 248.
There have also been 14 raids of sign-holders’ private homes in Cardiff, Leeds, and Bradford.
In Scotland, Sean Clerkin, 64, was arrested and has been charged under the Terrorism Act, after he displayed a placard stating "Genocide in Palestine, Time to Take Action". A 55-year-old man was also charged in Glasgow last week under suspicion of terror offences for wearing a T-shirt allegedly showing support for Palestine Action.
