59-Year-Old Charged in Scotland Over Palestine Action Terrorism Support

Anthony Harvey, a 59-year-old man from London, has been charged under the Terrorism Act in Scotland for addressing a private meeting to encourage support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terror organisation by the UK government. Police Scotland arrested Harvey following a warrant execution in Oban amid an ongoing investigation into individuals supporting the banned group, which was outlawed after activists caused an estimated £7 million in damage by breaking into RAF Brize Norton. Membership or support for Palestine Action is now a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison, with over 700 arrests and 114 charges since the ban was introduced. There has been controversy regarding the prosecution of peaceful supporters, with former First Minister Humza Yousaf urging exemptions for non-violent demonstrations, a request rejected by Scotland's top legal officers. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the ban followed a terrorism assessment indicating the group prepares for attacks, while Palestine Action has secured permission to legally challenge the proscription. Harvey was granted bail pending further examination, with his next court appearance yet to be scheduled.