Seven members of the UK-based Palestine Action group face charges of malicious property damage with an alleged terrorist connection after a 2025 protest at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. An initial hearing is scheduled at the High Court in Glasgow on August 31, 2026.
What led to the charges against the activists?
Reports from The Guardian and The New York Times indicate that the seven individuals were charged following a March 2025 protest at the Turnberry resort. Prosecutors allege the actions, which included spray-painting slogans and damaging turf, were aggravated by a terrorist connection. The defendants were initially charged under standard criminal law for property damage.
How have the defendants and supporters responded?
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori stated that the group used direct action to disrupt arms supplies linked to the conflict in Gaza. She described the charges as an attempt to appease political figures. Labour MP John McDonnell called the potential application of terror sentencing embarrassing for the UK and urged reconsideration of the group’s proscription.
What is the broader context of the case?
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in 2025. The United States later imposed sanctions on the group and related entities. The Turnberry protest targeted the resort’s ownership and the US administration’s stance on Gaza. The case is scheduled for an initial hearing in Glasgow.
Frequently asked questions
What specific actions prompted the charges?
Activists sprayed red paint on buildings, applied weedkiller to greens, and painted slogans at the resort in March 2025.
Will the activists face enhanced sentences?
The indictment references a terrorist connection, which could allow for terror-scale sentencing if proven in court.
Has the group been banned in the UK?
Yes, Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2025.
Key takeaways
- Seven activists face charges over a 2025 protest at Trump Turnberry.
- Prosecutors allege a terrorist connection to the property damage.
- An initial court hearing is set for August 31, 2026, in Glasgow.
- The case occurs amid UK and US measures against the group.
