Six Palestine Action Activists to Face Retrial Over Bristol Factory Break-In
Six members of the activist group Palestine Action will face a retrial on criminal damage charges after a jury failed to reach verdicts following a dramatic break-in at an Israel-linked defense firm's UK facility. The activists—Samuel Corner (23), Charlotte Head (29), Leona Kamio (30), Fatema Rajwani (21), Zoe Rogers (22), and Jordan Devlin (31)—were recently acquitted of aggravated burglary related to the incident at Elbit Systems UK's factory in Bristol.
Jury Deadlock Leads to Retrial Decision
The original trial at Woolwich Crown Court saw the jury deliberate for more than 36 hours without reaching consensus on the criminal damage charges against all six defendants. Prosecutors have confirmed they will seek a retrial on these unresolved counts. Additionally, the jury could not reach a verdict on a grievous bodily harm charge against Oxford graduate Samuel Corner, who was accused of striking Police Sergeant Kate Evans with a sledgehammer during the protest, allegedly causing a fracture to her lumbar spine.
In a partial victory for the activists, Rajwani, Rogers, and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder, while verdicts were not reached for Corner, Head, and Kamio on that charge. The court heard that Elbit Systems UK, which manufactures defense technology equipment, is a UK-registered company with its parent company based in Israel.
Background of the August 2024 Incident
The break-in occurred in the early hours of August 6, 2024, at the Elbit Systems UK factory in Bristol. Palestine Action, known for its direct-action protests against companies with ties to Israel's military, claimed responsibility for the incident. The group alleges that Elbit supplies technology used in conflicts involving Israel, though the company has consistently denied such claims in previous statements.
The retrial has been provisionally scheduled to begin on February 16 of next year, with proceedings expected to revisit the events of that night and the activists' motivations. Legal experts suggest the case highlights ongoing tensions between protest rights and property damage allegations in politically charged demonstrations.
Wider Implications and Legal Context
This case emerges amid increased scrutiny of activist movements targeting defense contractors and international corporations. The retrial will likely examine:
- The extent of damage caused during the break-in
- The activists' intent and political motivations
- Police response and injury allegations
- Legal definitions of criminal damage in protest contexts
As the legal process continues, both supporters of Palestine Action and representatives of Elbit Systems UK are preparing for another round of courtroom arguments. The outcome could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly those involving direct action against companies with international ties.
