Screenwriter Paul Laverty Arrested at Pro-Palestine Protest

Paul Laverty, a prominent screenwriter known for his work on the acclaimed film Sweet Sixteen, was arrested on July 19, 2025, at a pro-Palestine protest in Edinburgh. The 68-year-old was taken into custody while wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan, “Genocide in Palestine: time to take action.” His arrest falls under the controversial provisions of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The protest was organized by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) in support of activist Moira McFarlane, who had been summoned to St Leonard’s Police Station earlier that day. Reports indicate that Laverty was among a group of protesters who had gathered in solidarity with McFarlane, who has faced similar legal challenges in recent weeks.

According to a Police Scotland spokesperson, Laverty’s arrest was made following an incident at the police station. The spokesperson confirmed, “Following a protest outside St Leonard’s Police Station, a 68-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation. Enquiries are continuing.”

The incident follows a series of arrests across the UK targeting individuals wearing pro-Palestine shirts, particularly those associated with the organization Palestine Action, which was designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025.

McFarlane, who is also 58 years old, had previously reported that police visited her home before her appearance at the station. She was arrested and charged under the same legislation for an incident that occurred on July 19, 2025. McFarlane has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Laverty’s body of work includes collaborations with notable director Ken Loach and multiple accolades for his writing that often tackles themes of human rights and social justice. His film Sweet Sixteen, released in 2002, launched the career of actor Martin Compston, who has since gained international fame.

The SPSC released a statement on social media, condemning the police’s actions. They claimed, “Following Moira McFarlane’s charge under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act this morning, around 12 Police Scotland officers aggressively chased and questioned protesters and arrested comrade Paul Laverty.”

Laverty has been a vocal advocate for Palestine, frequently criticizing the UK government’s arms sales to Israel. His arrest has sparked debates about free speech and the rights of individuals to express political opinions in public demonstrations, especially in light of recent legal actions against pro-Palestine supporters.

As the situation unfolds, both Laverty and McFarlane’s cases will likely draw significant attention from human rights organizations and the public, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the legality of protest actions in the UK.