The man, who was later arrested, held up a sign in Nelson Mandela Place with the words ‘Genocide in Palestine, time to take action’ written on it. The words were the same as those written on the t-shirt of the man arrested at TRNSMT.
He was approached by two officers, one of whom said “put the sign down please”, arrested, and taken into custody.
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Protestors chanted “let him go” as around half a dozen more officers moved in and escorted the man to a waiting police van.
Ahead of the demonstration, activists were told that under section 15 of the Terrorism Act (2000) it is an offence to profess support for proscribed organisations.
One asked whether if they ripped the sign in half and one person held a piece which said ‘Genocide in Palestine’ and the other one which said ‘time to take action’ that would be an offence.
A liaison officer responded that the sign appeared to have been designed to be ripped in half, and theorised that it had been designed in a manner to test the legislation.
Activists were also told that the size of the font on the words ‘Palestine’ and ‘action’ would likely constitute professing support for a proscribed group.
The liaison officer concluded: “It is an offence if you continue to display it. I’m not asking if you agree, I’m asking if you understand?”.
A man is arrested in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)One of the activists confirmed he did understand.
Mick Napier of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Coalition then began giving a speech, while a man held up the sign beside him.
It was during this speech that officers moved in and made the arrest.
Speaking after the demonstration, Mr Napier said: “A man called Keir Starmer, in the past defended people who took direct action against the military machine.
“Direct action has a noble place in British history, the women here would never have the vote if some people had not taken direct action.
“Non-violent direct action gets you up to 14 years in prison, supporting the genocide by sending soldiers, weapons and the RAF gets you a knighthood.
“This is the theatre of the absurd you can’t say Palestine and genocide in the same sentence.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are currently in attendance at Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow where a protest group has gathered.
“A 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an offence under the Terrorism Act for displaying a sign expressing support for a proscribed organisation.
“Officers remain at the scene.”