We Do Not Comply protest – no-one arrested.

Policing of Palestine Action protests in disarray as police decide not to arrest sign-holders for terrorism in both Totnes and Edinburgh.

Eight sign holders in Totnes, including author and journalist, George Monbiot, and three in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 26 July) sat for sixty minutes without being arrested. In Totnes, two police officers from Torbay were present at the beginning but after approximately 40 minutes left the area.

No constraints were made despite the offending placard holders openly breaking the newly updated law of the Terrorism Act 2000 by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. They were risking potentially, 14 years incarceration for supporting ‘Palestine Action’ who have been proscribed as a terrorist organisation even though they have not injured anyone. The police mostly observed and asked a few questions from individuals but otherwise took no action.

As an estimate there were more than 100 people standing with the main protest under the Butterwalk although many observers stopped to watch from the bustling market opposite. The event passed off entirely peacefully with no sign of disturbance or unrest, indeed even vehicle traffic was mostly un-hindered with protesters making way and waving cars through.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: “The chorus of disapproval for Yvette Cooper’s barmy order grows louder by the day. Devon and Cornwall police were alerted to the demonstration in Totnes on Thursday, giving them plenty of time to prepare. But unlike some of their colleagues they have exercised discretion to leave peaceful protestors be, the people defending our ancient liberties in a small, rural town.”