Six Palestine Action Activists Acquitted of Aggravated Burglary at Israeli-Linked Defense Firm
In a recent legal development, six activists from the Palestine Action group have been acquitted of aggravated burglary charges related to a daring break-in at an Israeli-linked defense firm's facility in Bristol, UK. The trial, which took place at Woolwich Crown Court, centered around a meticulously planned attack that occurred in the early hours of August 6, 2024.
The prosecution alleged that the activists, dressed in red boiler suits and armed with sledgehammers, used a prison van as a battering ram to breach the security of the Elbit Systems UK factory. Inside, they allegedly sprayed red paint from fire extinguishers, vandalized computer equipment and technical products with crowbars and hammers, and damaged a disabled toilet.
However, the jury's verdict found the activists not guilty of aggravated burglary. They also dismissed charges of criminal damage and violent disorder. The jury's deliberations, spanning over 36 hours, resulted in a failure to reach a verdict on the criminal damage charge for three of the defendants.
The activists, Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin, were cleared of violent disorder charges, with verdicts still pending for the remaining three. Additionally, the jury could not reach a decision on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm against Corner, who was accused of striking Police Sergeant Kate Evans with a sledgehammer, resulting in a lumbar spine fracture.
The courtroom witnessed an emotional scene as the defendants hugged each other in the dock and waved to their supporters in the audience, who cheered enthusiastically after the judge's departure. The trial's opening statements emphasized that the allegations predated the proscription of Palestine Action under terrorism laws, and the ban had no bearing on the case.
The prosecution is considering a retrial on the remaining charges. The court learned that Elbit Systems UK, a UK-registered company with its parent company in Israel, manufactures defense technology equipment. All defendants, except for metalworker Devlin, admitted to damaging Elbit's property, including drones and computers.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC argued that the activists genuinely believed their actions would support the Palestinian cause in Gaza, but she also highlighted their willingness to go beyond property damage, stating, 'They were prepared to injure people if necessary... anyone who stood in their way.'
Head's lawyer, Rajiv Menon KC, drew a parallel between the activists and the suffragettes, who faced similar accusations of threatening social order and displaying aggressive behavior. This comparison adds a layer of complexity to the case, inviting further discussion on the balance between activism and legal boundaries.
