A BARNSLEY man has been charged with terrorism offences in relation to arranging public demonstrations of support for Palestine Action and hosting and managing online meetings in support of the proscribed group.

David Nixon, of Kirkstall Road, was charged with five counts of managing a meeting to support a proscribed organisation, one count of addressing a meeting with the purpose being to encourage support for a proscribed organisation, and four counts of assisting in arranging a meeting knowing the purpose was to support a proscribed organisation.

In total, he was one of 522 people who were arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act for allegedly ‘displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation’ following a mass demonstration in Parliament Square, London, last month.

Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “We have taken the decision to prosecute with offences under the Terrorism Act.

“These charges relate to Zoom meetings held between July 10 and August 21 at which it is alleged that public gatherings were arranged in support of Palestine Action, which people have been encouraged to attend.

“Public gatherings in support of Palestine Action were subsequently held in London, Manchester and Cardiff between July 12 and August 9, as well as a planned gathering due to take place in London tomorrow.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.”