Story perspectives

Massive Attack’s Del Naja Arrested Under Terrorism Act

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Robert Del Naja Arrested

Robert Del Naja, Massive Attack musician, was arrested in Liverpool under the Terrorism Act for supporting Palestine Action.
Police arrested fifty people at a Defend Our Juries protest near the Wheel of Liverpool on 27 September.
The High Court ruled the proscription unlawful in February 2026.
The Court of Appeal reinstated the proscription in June 2026.
The Supreme Court set a hearing for November 2026.

Summary

Merseyside Police Plan

Merseyside Police prepared detailed, coordinated plans to enforce the ban consistently.
Human rights barrister Margaret Owen, 94, was detained during the protest.
Bill, a 71-year-old Church of England priest, joined the sit-in wearing a red stole.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the government will robustly defend the ban’s appeal.
U.S. President Donald Trump also outlawed Palestine Action, adding an international dimension.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, the UK Parliament enacted the Prevention of Terrorism Act, granting authorities sweeping powers to proscribe extremist groups after the Birmingham pub bombings. Home Secretary William Whitelaw listed twelve organisations for proscription, and the law imposed £5,000 fines for unauthorized support. Today, Merseyside Police invoke similar authority to enforce the 2026 proscription of Palestine Action, arresting activist musician Robert Del Naja and 94-year-old barrister Margaret Owen. The precedent set by the 1974 law suggests the Supreme Court’s November 2026 hearing will further define protest limits, influencing future government bans.

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Robert Del Naja Arrested

Robert Del Naja, Massive Attack musician, was arrested in Liverpool under the Terrorism Act for supporting Palestine Action.
Police arrested fifty people at a Defend Our Juries protest near the Wheel of Liverpool on 27 September.
The High Court ruled the proscription unlawful in February 2026.
The Court of Appeal reinstated the proscription in June 2026.
The Supreme Court set a hearing for November 2026.

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