Pro-Palestine protester sues Kent police

Laura Murton claims Kent police wrongly cited proscribed groups while her peaceful demonstration in Canterbury last month.

Pro-Palestine protester sues Kent police after arrest threat

A Canterbury protester, Laura Murton, 42, was told by armed officers that her demonstration last month expressed support for Palestine Action, a group banned under terrorism legislation earlier in July. Murton held a Palestinian flag and signs reading “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide” but says none of the signs mentioned Palestine Action. When asked if she supported any proscribed organisations she replied, I do not. She was told to provide her name and address to avoid arrest.

Murton's lawyers have sent a letter of claim to Kent police seeking damages, an apology, and details of records kept about her. The case is framed as a challenge to police conduct during peaceful protest and could influence how officers interpret protest language in the future. The action comes as pro-Palestine demonstrations are planned this weekend.

This case sits at the edge of free expression and security powers. It raises questions about how a protest speech can be read as endorsement of a banned group and whether the Terrorism Act is being used to police disagreement rather than violence.

As courts weigh this claim, it could push for clearer guidelines on when speech crosses into illegal territory and for more transparent policing. The outcome might affect trust in law enforcement and the space for peaceful protest across the country.

Highlights

The legal fight could redraw the boundaries between security and speech in public demonstrations.