‘Terrorist connection’ alleged in Trump’s Scotland golf course damage case

Seven protesters were charged with damaging US President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland last year, prosecutors say. They face potential longer sentences if convicted due to what authorities describe as a "terrorist connection". The group Palestine Action, now banned in Britain, sprayed graffiti with slogans like "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine" on the course.

The indictment claims the seven accused maliciously dug up turf, sprayed weedkiller, and painted offensive messages. Prosecutors will seek harsher penalties because of the alleged terrorist connection. Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws in Britain in July last year, and the US designated it a terrorist group this week.

Human rights groups and supporters have criticized the ban as disproportionate. If convicted, the defendants could face tougher sentences under terror laws, according to a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries.