Supporters of banned Palestine Action gather outside US consulate in Edinburgh
Police Scotland say inquiries are ongoing to identify people showing support for the group
A vigil backing the banned group Palestine Action has taken place outside the US consulate in Edinburgh.
Protesters stood outside the building on Saturday afternoon, with many holding placards reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action".
A similar protest was happening at the same time outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, London.
Palestine Action was banned in June 2025.
Since then, expressing support for the group has been an offence under the Terrorism Act.
The demonstrations come days before the Supreme Court hears an appeal against the group's terror designation on 4th November.
Organisers' message
Defend Our Juries Scotland, which organised the Edinburgh event, said its members were holding a peaceful vigil to stand with the Palestinian people and to oppose the ban.
A spokesperson for the group added: "We will continue to defy this ban, and we will not be silenced. Whilst legal proceedings in Scotland have been delayed pending the hearings in the Supreme Court of England and Wales this coming week, we will continue to mount pressure from all angles. The ban must be lifted, and our Government must take meaningful action to end its complicity in genocide."
Government response
The Home Office defended the ban in a statement.
A spokesperson said: "The Court of Appeal found that Palestine Action carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who took part in them and promoted the use of violence. Its proscription followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by Parliament. Free speech is a fundamental democratic right – the proscription of Palestine Action does not affect lawful protest in support of the Palestinian cause."
How the courts have ruled so far
In June, a panel of five Court of Appeal judges decided the ban was a justified and proportionate interference with freedom of expression rights.
Their decision overturned an earlier High Court ruling.
In February, three High Court judges had found that the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to ban the group was unlawful.
That case was brought by Palestine Action's co-founder, Huda Ammori.
Police Scotland inquiries
Police Scotland confirmed officers were at the Edinburgh protest.
A spokesperson said: "Officers attended planned protests in Edinburgh on the afternoon of Saturday 31 October 2026. No arrests were made at the time, however inquiries are ongoing to identify people seen wearing T-shirts and holding banners showing support for a proscribed organisation. Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate."
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