Latest news with #TRSNMT
The National
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The National
Human rights 'at risk as Police Scotland arrest Palestine activists'
The chair of the commission, a public body accountable to the Scottish Parliament, has written to both the Lord Advocate and the Chief Constable raising concerns around the policing of protests since the UK Government proscribed Palestine Action as a terror group. The Labour Government's move, which is facing a challenge in the courts, means it is now a criminal offence to support or be a member of Palestine Action, which is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. However, Professor Angela O'Hagan, the SHRC chair, has warned that policing of the proscribed group may be putting people's human rights at risk. READ MORE: Woman, 70, arrested under terror law after Edinburgh Gaza march 'It is vital that Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service remember that there are very narrow circumstances under which political speech and ideas can be lawfully restricted, under European Convention on Human Rights [ECHR],' O'Hagan said. 'Whether the proscription of Palestine Action amounts to a justified interference is a matter for the courts and UK Parliament. However, the proscription should not and does not inhibit the right to peaceful protest. 'There is a difference between support for a proscribed organisation and support for a political or moral viewpoint. Law enforcement that does not recognise this distinction is a risk to human rights. 'We urge Police Scotland to issue clear guidance to officers on the need for proportionality in their policing.' As The National has reported, activists in Scotland have been charged under terror laws for allegedly supporting Palestine Action. In one incident outside TRSNMT festival in July, a man was charged for wearing a T-shirt produced by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign which read 'Genocide in Palestine time to take action'. In her letter, which Justice Secretary Angela Constance has also been sent, O'Hagan states: 'The SHRC is concerned that the application of the Terrorism Act 2000 in some of these arrests risks disproportionately restricting the right to peaceful protest, which is guaranteed by Articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR. 'The right to free expression is protected by Article 10 ECHR. It protects the right to hold opinions and exchange and impart information, including the expression element of peaceful protest. This protection extends to speech that may be found offensive, shocking or disturbing. 'Article 11 protects the right to assembly and association. This protects the right to peaceful assembly, and it cannot be interpreted restrictively. 'In essence, this means that peaceful protest is highly likely to be covered regardless of the topic of concern.' Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell (Image: Andrew Milligan) She went on: 'An individual being arrested for the expression of views at a protest – including expressing support for a banned group – constitutes an interference under Article 10 ECHR and any restriction must be proportionate. 'Likewise, the policing of any protest engages the right to free assembly under Article 11 and therefore must be done in a proportionate manner. She added: 'The SHRC is concerned that strict oversight and explicit proportionality assessment must be applied to operational decision-making in order to take proper account of the necessary limitations on interference with rights, and to draw a reasonable distinction between support for a proscribed organisation and support for a political or moral viewpoint, which otherwise may pose a risk to human rights.' READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: The ban on Palestine Action is to scare folk into passivity It comes after the UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk, warned that Labour's proscription of Palestine Action raised 'serious concerns that counter-terrorism laws are being applied to conduct that is not terrorist in nature and risks hindering the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms across the UK'. Türk called on the UK Government to 'review and revise its counter-terrorism legislation, including its definition of terrorist acts, to bring it fully in line with international human rights norms and standards'. [[Police Scotland]] and the Scottish Government have been approached for comment.
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Kneecap announce huge Glasgow Hydro gig despite TRNSMT axe
Irish rap group Kneecap have announced a headline tour which will see the trio head to arenas in Scotland, England and Wales this winter amid police controversy. Kneecap have announced a headline UK arena tour for this winter after they were removed from the TRSNMT line up over safety concerns by Police Scotland. The rap trio, made up of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí - will be playing 11 dates across Scotland, England and Wales, as well as a date at the OVO Hydro on Sunday November 30. They will be playing one night at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on November 30, 2025. Taking to Instagram to announce the tour, the post read: "Here we go. We're back in November across Scotland, England and Wales to play our biggest run of shows ever." "The Prime Minster himself cant stop could stop sending bombs to Israel but that's another story..."
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
TRNSMT festivalgoers told to stay safe as weather heats up
The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging festivalgoers to protect themselves from the sun, stay hydrated, and look after themselves and others. The health board says that sunburn, food poisoning, and insect bites or stings are common health concerns during warmer weather. Those attending the festival are allowed to bring travel-sized sunscreen, collapsible water bottles (500ml or smaller), and a one-day supply of clearly labelled medication. Read more: 'The comparison is mental' - Halliday on Rangers' Vardy transfer interest First aid points, a wellbeing area, and a welfare team will be available at the festival. Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at the NHSGGC, said: "This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather. "No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand. "We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRSNMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. "We ask festivalgoers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely." NHSGGC also advises those outdoors to keep essential items like over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, and an ice pack on hand. For barbecue enthusiasts, the health board warns against food poisoning by ensuring food is cooked properly. Dr Crighton added: "For those who do require medical support this weekend, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments. "By using NHS 24's digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting. "We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. "This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most."
