GREEN MSP Maggie Chapman demanded “clarity” from the Scottish government today over the policing of Palestine Action’s proscription.

Her query comes after the arrests on Monday of Palestine solidarity activist Moira McFarlane and screenwriter Paul Laverty.

Mr Laverty now faces charges under the Terrorism Act 2000 for wearing a T-shirt which read:  “Genocide in Palestine, time to take action.”

Writing to Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance, Ms Chapman has called on her to release any details of conversations between the Scottish government and Police Scotland on how the proscription should be interpreted, as well as any discussions which have taken place with the Lord Advocate on her determination of the “public interest” in dealing with such cases.

Calling for Ms Constance to urgently issue a statement on how Police Scotland implements the law, Ms Chapman said: “The decision to proscribe Palestine Action was an unprecedented and undemocratic outrage.

“It has been implemented in a harsh and authoritarian manner that has seen peaceful protesters arrested for carrying banners and wearing T-shirts while the UK government has continued to arm and support Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

“There is no justification for detaining people standing peacefully with Gaza. It is an attack on basic free speech and a total waste of police time and resources.

“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Peaceful protest should never be a crime and nor should defending that right.

“I urge the Scottish government to provide clarity on how they are interpreting the law and if arresting a peaceful protester for wearing a T-shirt that didn’t even mention Palestine Action is consistent with its understanding of it.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.