Protesters at Trump's Scottish golf course charged with 'terrorism connection'

Seven protesters accused of vandalizing Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland last year could face significantly longer prison sentences, as prosecutors have alleged a "terrorist connection" to their actions.

The activists, associated with the now-banned group Palestine Action, were charged with criminal damage for spray-painting pro-Palestinian slogans such as "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine" on the property. They also allegedly dug up turf, sprayed weedkiller on greens, and painted offensive messages.

Prosecutors intend to seek harsher sentences if the seven are found guilty, citing that the alleged offenses are "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection." The group Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws in Britain last July and was recently designated a terrorist group by the U.S. as part of a crackdown on "far-left extremists."

Critics argue that treating these actions as terrorism, even without direct terrorism charges, could lead to disproportionately long sentences. This designation follows previous cases where Palestine Action members received longer jail terms for damaging a factory operated by an Israeli defense firm, a decision that drew condemnation from human rights groups.

The group's co-founder is currently challenging the ban on Palestine Action in the UK Supreme Court. The potential for terror sentencing and the U.S. designation adds further pressure on the group's legal standing.

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It’s now all too clear why the White House has designated Palestine Action as a global terror organization, alongside al Qaeda. It's because members of Palestine Action upset the president in March 2025 by making a mess of his golf course.