Paul Laverty: Top Screenwriter Arrested at Palestine Protest

Leading Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty was arrested at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Edinburgh. According to The National newspaper, he was arrested on August 25, 2025, outside St Leonards police station, wearing a t-shirt with the slogan: "Genocide in Palestine, time to take action."

Police Scotland stated that the 68-year-old was arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 for supporting a banned organization. Shortly after, an account on X linked to Ken Loach confirmed the arrest.

Laverty was released with the obligation to appear in court. In July, British authorities designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized the designation as "disproportionate and unnecessary."

Paul Laverty is known for his collaboration with Ken Loach on films such as "Carla's Song", "Sweet Sixteen", and "I, Daniel Blake".