Edinburgh City Council has removed a series of offensive posters from George Square after being alerted by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) that the displays were unlawful and appeared to glorify terrorists.

On 22 October 2025, UKLFI wrote to the Council’s Planning Department regarding posters that had been reported in the south-west corner of George Square, facing the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library.

One poster included imagery of an armed figure wearing a head covering similar to those worn by terrorists, brandishing a weapon with the slogan “TO EXIST IS TO RESIST”, and another portrayed Palestinian Journalists killed by Israel, accompanied by slogans including “GLORY TO THE MARTYR […] MURDERED BY ISRAEL”. At least some of those individuals portrayed are alleged to have been Hamas members masquerading as journalists.  UKLFI pointed out that these images and slogans glorify Hamas terrorism and promote hostility towards Israel and Jewish people.

UKLFI explained in its letter that the posters were being displayed unlawfully under section 186 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, which makes it a criminal offence to display advertisements without the required consent. UKLFI also pointed out that the Council has statutory enforcement powers and should remove such material and prevent its recurrence.

UKLFI  additionally referenced the Council’s obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty (section 149 of the Equality Act 2010), which requires public authorities to have due regard when exercising their functions to the need to eliminate discrimination and to foster good relations between different communities. The letter warned that allowing the posters to remain in place would undermine these duties and risk worsening relations between Jewish and non-Jewish communities in Edinburgh.

The letter also drew attention to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, under which it is an offence to communicate material likely to stir up hatred against groups defined by race, nationality, or ethnic or national origins. UKLFI observed that the posters’ references to “martyrs” and their portrayal of terrorist violence as legitimate resistance could constitute such an offence, and might also breach the Terrorism Acts 2000 by expressing support for a proscribed organisation and being reckless as to whether such expression will encourage others to support it.

In response, Edinburgh City Council confirmed that the posters would be removed, and they have now been taken down.

A spokesperson for UKLFI said:

“These posters were not only unlawful but also deeply offensive and distressing to Jewish residents and others appalled by terrorism. We are pleased that Edinburgh City Council acted promptly to remove material glorifying terrorist violence, referenced alleged Hamas operatives, and promoted hatred.”