Screenwriter charged under Terrorism Act after 'stand off' at Edinburgh police station

Pro-Palestine protestors gathered outside St Leonard's Police Station in the capital on Monday morning and screenwriter Paul Laverty was arrested.

17:43, 25 Aug 2025Updated 18:31, 25 Aug 2025

Screenwriter Paul Laverty(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

A well-known Scottish Screenwriter has been charged under the terrorism act following a 'stand off' at an Edinburgh police station.

Pro-Palestine protestors gathered outside St Leonard's Police Station in the capital on Monday morning (August 25).

Screenwriter Paul Laverty, 68, was arrested and Police Scotland have confirmed he was charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly showing support for a proscribed organisation.

Laverty has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Laverty is known for his work with Ken Loach, wrote the films I, Daniel Blake, Sweet Sixteen and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Edinburgh Live reported earlier how activists held Palestinian flags and signs reading "It's not a crime to act against genocide" and "Ceasefire now".

Protesters at St Leonard's Police Station.(Image: EdinburghLive)

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Protestors told Edinburgh Live they were there to "support their comrade". Police confirmed a 58-year-old woman was also arrested and charged today in connection with an incident in July where she allegedly showed support for a proscribed organisation.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Following a protest outside St Leonards Police Station on Monday, 25 August 2025, a 68-year-old man has been arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation. He has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

They later added: "A 58-year-old woman has been arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation following an incident on Saturday, 19 July 2025. She has been released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."