Laura Murton seeks damages and apology after police said her demonstration expressed support for banned Palestine Action
A protester who was threatened with arrest under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and having signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide” is taking legal action against the police force involved.
Armed police told Laura Murton, 42, that her demonstration in Canterbury, Kent, last month expressed views supportive of Palestine Action, which had been banned under terrorism legislation earlier in July.
Murton said neither of her signs mentioned Palestine Action. When asked directly whether she supported any proscribed organisations, she replied: “I do not.”
Her solicitors have now issued a letter of claim on her behalf to the chief constable of Kent police in what was also said to be a move to remind other police forces of their responsibilities when it comes to peaceful protests by pro-Palestine demonstrators this weekend.