Scottish podcasters charged with terrorism offences after criticizing Palestine Action ban

LONDON (MNTV) — Two Scottish pro-independence podcasters have been arrested and charged under U.K. terrorism laws after expressing support for Palestine Action, a protest group the government banned earlier this year.

The National newspaper reported that David McGuiness and David Milligan — known online as “The Two Davies” — were detained under the U.K. Terrorism Act 2000.

Police Scotland said the men, aged 58 and 68, were arrested “for showing support for a proscribed organization.”

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal, who will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.

Their case is understood to relate to a video in which they criticized the government’s move to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization from July 5.

In a Facebook video, McGuiness said police arrived at his home early in the morning and detained him.

He said officers from the serious crime squad “came to my front door and arrested me under section one of the Criminal Justice Act Scotland.” He added that he was later charged under section 12 of the U.K. Terrorism Act at Motherwell Police Station.

“So, we went from being an extremist to being a bloody terrorist,” he said.

McGuiness said his co-host, Milligan, was being held at a Clydebank police station, where he was also facing charges.

He added that he was released “with no restrictions” and believes he is now “on the watch list officially.”

The arrests come as several activists who support Palestinian self-determination in Scotland who were charged earlier this year have recently been offered warnings instead of prosecution — a step some campaigners publicly opposed.

A High Court challenge to the government’s proscription of Palestine Action remains ongoing.