Armed police in Canterbury, Kent, threatened to arrest Laura Murton, 42, under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and signs saying 'Free Gaza' and 'Israel is committing genocide.' Officers accused her of supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed earlier this month, despite Murton denying any affiliation. The incident, which Murton filmed, has raised significant concerns from Amnesty International UK and others about freedom of expression and the excessively broad nature of UK terrorism law.
Armed police threatened to arrest Kent protester for holding Palestinian flag
ProtestIsrael-Gaza warGazaCrimeKentUKPalestinian territories
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Armed police in Canterbury, Kent, threatened to arrest Laura Murton, 42, under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and signs saying 'Free Gaza' and 'Israel is committing genocide.' Officers accused her of supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed earlier this month, despite Murton denying any affiliation. The incident, which Murton filmed, has raised significant concerns from Amnesty International UK and others about freedom of expression and the excessively broad nature of UK terrorism law.
Trending- 1 July 5, 2025: Palestine Action was banned under terrorism legislation.
- 2 Monday evening (July 14, 2025): Laura Murton's protest in Canterbury and encounter with armed police.
- 3 Thursday (July 17, 2025): The Guardian publishes the article.
- Laura Murton felt terrified and resentful for having to provide her details under threat of arrest.
- Concerns were raised by Amnesty International UK and legal experts about the broadness and vague wording of UK terrorism law, and its potential chilling effect on freedom of expression and assembly for those speaking out against Israel’s actions.
- The incident highlights the ongoing debate and tensions surrounding protests related to the Israel-Gaza war and the application of terrorism legislation.
What: Armed police threatened to arrest Laura Murton, a peaceful protester, under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and signs with phrases like 'Free Gaza,' accusing her of supporting the proscribed organization Palestine Action.
When: Monday evening (July 14, 2025); Palestine Action was banned earlier this month (July 5, 2025).
Where: Canterbury, Kent, UK, Westminster (for High Court/Court of Appeal).
Why: Police claimed Murton's display of the Palestinian flag and 'Free Gaza' signs constituted expressing an opinion or belief supportive of Palestine Action, which is a criminal offense under Section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act. Murton's motivation for protest was to remind people that Palestine exists and that genocide is happening.
How: Armed officers approached Murton, informed her that her actions were an offense, and threatened arrest unless she provided her name and address, which she reluctantly did. The encounter was filmed by Murton.