Palestine Action protestors charged with terrorism offences

Twelve people have been ordered to appear in court charged with Terrorism Act offences after a protest in support of Palestine Action in Manchester. Palestine Action was designated as a proscribed terrorist organisation by the Home Office in July, making it illegal to be a member or supporter.

That move has prompted criticism and protests, including one at St Peter's Square in Manchester on 12 July, which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the charges were in relation to. GMP confirmed the 12 had been charged with breaching section 13 of the Terrorism Act by "wearing or displaying clothing or articles" that "arouse reasonable suspicion that they are a member or supporter of a proscribed terrorist organisation".

Those charged, who come from Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire, Derby and Yorkshire, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 10 November.

The move to ban the group came after it was held responsible for causing £7m worth of damage to two jets at RAF Brize Norton, when its alleged members broke in and daubed the aircraft in red paint.

A protest against the ban in London saw 890 people arrested.

Palestine Action co-founder, Huda Ammori, was granted permission to appeal in July after her lawyers argued the ban breached the right to free speech.

A hearing is due to take place in November, although the High Court said it would leave the ban in place until then.

The Home Office, however, has appealed against the decision to allow Ms Ammori permission to appeal and a hearing will take place on Thursday.

Greater Manchester Police said: "The following 12 people have all been charged with breaching Section 13(1) of the Terrorism Act by wearing or displaying clothing or articles that, in such a way or in such circumstances, arouse reasonable suspicion that they are a member or supporter of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

"The charges are in relation to a Palestine Action protest in St Peter's Square on Saturday 12 July 2025.

"They will next appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday 10 November."

GMP have named those charged as:

Mark Arrowsmith (04/07/1963) of Spital View, Kendal.

Rebecca Craven (30/05/1958) of Thornton Road, Manchester.

Joel Instone (09/02/1990) of Greenhill Road, Bury.

George Almond (19/06/1992) of Ragley View, Calderdale.

Joseph Hesmondhalgh (27/03/1999) of Hollingwood Gate, Bradford.

Caroline Tattersall (23/01/1982) of Oldfield Grove, Trafford.

Samantha Burgess (08/03/2000) of Beech Road, Lancaster.

Jake Rigby (25/01/1978) of Pinfold Lane, Romiley.

Jonathan Coleman (10/03/1959) of Buxton Crescent, Rochdale.

Alison Bath (10/05/1973) of Glen View, Calderdale.

Alyson Lee (20/06/1958) of Park Grove, Derby.

Susan Reid (27/11/1958) of Jeffrey Avenue, Preston.