The Police Service of Northern Ireland referred 32 files to the Public Prosecution Service over alleged displays of support for Palestine Action. These represent one-third of 90 files submitted since the Terrorism Act took effect in July 2000. The rest cover 48 files linked to republican paramilitary groups and 10 to loyalist paramilitary organisations.

Each file can include multiple individuals. Examples involve groups charged after parades.

Referrals for Palestine Action increased from six in November 2025 to 18 by the end of that year. The number nearly doubled in early 2026.

The cases relate to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This section bans wearing, carrying or displaying items in public that create reasonable suspicion of membership in or support for a proscribed organisation.

The UK government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025.

PSNI sent advisory letters to people at risk of breaking the law. More than a dozen went out by November 2025. Many targeted those at weekly vigils in Derry.

A PSNI spokesperson said rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are protected by law. Police submit evidence files to the Public Prosecution Service when offences are suspected.

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director for Amnesty International, wrote to the Chief Constable and Director of Public Prosecutions in August 2025. He raised concerns about using counter-terrorism powers in protests.

Daniel Holder from the Committee on the Administration of Justice noted the high number of files for a recently proscribed group.