03/07/2026
“Defend Our Juries” court case – Thursday 9 July, High Court, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ
“Defend Our Juries” write:
“Dozens of peaceful protestors in Scotland face charges under the Terrorism Act for sitting quietly for an hour as part of the ‘Defend Our Juries: Lift the Ban’ protests.
We sat in silence for an hour – obstructing no one – holding placards that read: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
We believe we have a strong chance of winning, and if the courts in Scotland recognise our right to publicly call for the deproscription of Palestine Action, this will be crucial to the struggle to retain the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in the UK. “
Below news from “Defend Our Juries” on the latest court hearing :
“NEWS on THE DIET OF DEBATE
📌 July 9, 10am : PROCEDURAL hearing of the Diet of Debate
📍High Court – 3 Judges – First Appeal Court, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ
👉 Gather from 9.15 am
What to expect? We don’t know yet, but we will know more nearer the time and will let you know
Who will be at the hearing:
1. Bringing the case: Justin and Cathy on behalf of all of us arrested in Scotland under the Terrorism Act 2000 for peaceful protest. We contend that arresting us breached Articles 10 & 11 of our human rights.
2. Representation for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal of Scotland (COPFS)
3. Representation for the Advocate General (legal adviser to the UK government on Scots Law, representing 'the interests of the UK government')
👉 Despite recent judgements and the slide towards oppression of human rights in the UK, we believe that in Scotland, the outcome can be different.”
“Defend Our Juries” write:
“There is NO REASON why SCOTLAND should follow suit with England in oppression of human rights. Political context and police behaviour differ from those down south and we are hopeful that legal decisions will also demonstrate similar independent thought.
On Thursday July 9, Defend Our Juries arrestees in Scotland have their first hearing in the High Court via a pre-trial option available in Scotland called a Diet of Debate. This will be a test case challenging all our arrests under the Terrorism Act, arguing that this breached our human rights.
This first hearing in the High Court is ‘procedural’ but important. It will decide when and how we proceed to the Diet of Debate.
Unfortunately, every procedure is costly, a factor no doubt the opposition are keeping their fingers crossed will price us out. Let’s prove them wrong.”
More info from “Defend Our Juries” at link below
Civil liberties group working to expose the corruption in the UK legal system, through defending the rights of jurors and taking nonviolent action to highlight corrupt and unjust laws.
