Court of Session Ruling Offers Hope Amid Escalating Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Protesters in Scotland

27 January 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Court of Session Ruling Offers Hope Amid Escalating Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Protesters in Scotland

The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) welcomes this significant move by the Court of Session in Edinburgh to approve a judicial review of the government proscription of Palestine Action, to assert its freedom of action independently of Westminster, as a vital step toward restoring basic civil liberties in Scotland.

The decision comes at a time when thousands of people in Scotland have been charged under terrorism legislation for peaceful protest following the political proscription of Palestine Action. In many cases, individuals have been arrested simply for wearing pro-Palestinian T-shirts, actions that remain perfectly legal in England and Wales. More than twenty people are currently imprisoned without trial, with some facing detention periods of up to two years before their cases are even heard.

“This judgement is doubly welcome,” said Mick Napier of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign. “It offers real hope that the judicial review scheduled for 17–18 March will halt this escalating madness by challenging the wholesale arrests of peaceful protesters.”

SPSC believes the legal step taken in Scotland will resonate far beyond its borders, encouraging campaigners across the UK at a moment when hundreds of people continue to be killed in Gaza during what is being described as a ceasefire.

SPSC also pay tribute to former diplomat Craig Murray and all those who supported the case. “Hats off to Craig Murray and everyone who helped promote this effort, even when it appeared to have only a slim chance of success,” Napier added.

The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign reiterates its commitment to defending the right to peaceful protest and to opposing the misuse of counter-terrorism legislation to suppress political expression.

ENDS

Contact:
Mick Napier
07958 002 591
mick@scottishpsc.org.uk 
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC)