Acclaimed screenwriter and political activist Paul Laverty was arrested in Edinburgh on Monday following a protest organised by the campaign group Palestine Action. The Oscar-nominated writer, renowned for his long-standing collaborations with director Ken Loach, was taken into custody by Police Scotland officers.
Factory Site Targeted in Direct Action
The arrest occurred at the premises of a facility allegedly linked to the manufacture of components for military equipment used in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine Action stated that activists had occupied the site in a direct action aimed at disrupting production.
Laverty, whose screenplay for I, Daniel Blake won the BAFTA for Best British Film and was nominated for a Palme d'Or, has a well-documented history of social and political activism alongside his filmmaking career.
Police Response and Charges
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "Around 11am on Monday, 25 August, officers responded to reports of a disturbance at a commercial premises in the Edinburgh area. A number of individuals were arrested in connection with alleged breach of the peace and vandalism offences."
While the police did not name those detained, Palestine Action identified Laverty among those taken into custody. The group stated that the action was part of their ongoing campaign to target companies they believe are supplying equipment to Israeli forces.
Industry Reaction and Context
The arrest has drawn attention from both political and artistic communities. Laverty, a qualified lawyer turned screenwriter, has frequently incorporated social justice themes into his work, addressing issues from disability rights to unemployment in his collaborations with Loach.
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and increasing activist targeting of UK-based companies with alleged links to the region. Palestine Action has conducted similar protests across the country, resulting in numerous arrests over recent months.
Laverty was reportedly released later on Monday pending further investigation. Legal representatives for the screenwriter have not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
