Collaborator
Amnesty International UK’s Scotland team.
Deliverable
We are busy developing a digital learning resource about the right to protest in Scotland. We are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive, legally accurate resource.
Date
We hope to launch the resource in June 2022. Follow our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn) for updates.
How you can get involved
We ran a consultation in March asking what the materials should cover, the legal terms you would like explained and to find out what type of resource would be helpful.
Contact us if you would like to chat about the consultation or receive a copy of the materials when we launch.
Further information about the right to protest
The right to plan and participate in a peaceful protest is covered by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Human Rights Act (1998) Article 11: freedom of assembly and associate incorporates the right into UK law.
There are some limited restrictions public authorities can place on the right to protest. For example, to protect national security or public safety, to prevent disorder or crime, and to protect the rights and freedoms of people. From 1 October 2021, the Scottish Parliament’s Corporate Body designated Holyrood as a “protected site”, restricting protests.
Protestors can be charged with criminal offences under Scots Law if, for example, they breach the Public Order and Hate Crime Act.
