Activists Acquitted in High-Profile Defence Site Break-In Trial
In a significant legal outcome, six members of the protest group Palestine Action have been cleared of aggravated burglary charges related to a break-in at a UK facility operated by the Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems. The incident occurred at the company's site in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August 2024, and involved a prison van being driven into the premises as part of the demonstration.
Details of the Court Proceedings and Verdicts
The trial took place at Woolwich Crown Court in south London, where the activists—identified as Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin—faced serious allegations. They were accused of threatening unlawful violence and using sledgehammers as weapons during the break-in. Aggravated burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, was among the charges brought against them.
After extensive deliberation lasting 36 hours and 34 minutes, the jury returned not guilty verdicts for all six defendants on the aggravated burglary charge. Additionally, Rajwani, Rogers, and Devlin were acquitted of violent disorder. However, the jury could not reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage against any of the activists. No verdict was also reached regarding allegations that Samuel Corner, aged 23, inflicted grievous bodily harm on police sergeant Kate Evans, or on violent disorder charges against Head, Corner, and Kamio.
Reactions and Broader Context of the Case
Upon hearing the acquittals, the activists embraced each other in the dock while approximately a dozen supporters in the public gallery cheered in response. This case has drawn attention to the tactics and legal challenges faced by protest groups like Palestine Action, which targets companies linked to Israel's defence industry. The group has previously been compared to historical movements such as the suffragettes in court discussions, highlighting the contentious nature of their activism.
The incident at the Elbit Systems factory is part of a series of actions by Palestine Action aimed at disrupting operations at sites associated with Israeli defence contractors in the UK. The outcome of this trial may influence future protests and legal strategies for similar activist groups across the country.
