Palestine Action Activists Acquitted of Aggravated Burglary at Elbit Systems

On August 6, 2024, six members of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action were involved in a break-in at the Elbit Systems UK factory in Filton, near Bristol. The activists—Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin—were accused of aggravated burglary, violent disorder, and criminal damage. Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, the jury acquitted all six of aggravated burglary, while they were unable to reach verdicts on the other charges.

Palestine Action members not guilty over Elbit factory break-inPalestine Action activists cleared of aggravated burglary at Israeli defence firm sitePalestine Action protesters not guilty of defence firm burglary

The activists reportedly used an old prison van to ram-raid the factory's perimeter fence, gaining entry to the premises. Prosecutors alleged that they threatened security personnel with sledgehammers and caused extensive damage inside the facility, including the destruction of computers and drones. The group was described as wearing red boiler suits during the incident, which was characterized by the prosecution as "meticulously organised."

Palestine Action activists cleared over weapons factory attack

After deliberating for over 36 hours, the jury found Rajwani, Rogers, and Devlin not guilty of violent disorder. However, they could not reach verdicts on the same charge for Head, Corner, and Kamio, nor on the allegations of criminal damage against any of the defendants. Additionally, the jury was unable to decide on the charge of grievous bodily harm against Corner, who was accused of injuring Police Sergeant Kate Evans during the incident.

Palestine Action activists cleared of aggravated burglary at Israeli defence firm sitePalestine Action members not guilty over Elbit factory break-inPalestine Action activists cleared of burglary following break-in at Israeli-linked defence firm

Rajiv Menon KC, the defense attorney, argued that the activists did not anticipate the presence of security guards and believed their actions would support the Palestinian cause. He stated that the defendants were "completely out of their depth" during the protest. In contrast, the prosecution maintained that the activists were prepared to injure anyone who obstructed their actions, aiming to "shut Elbit down."

Palestine Action activists cleared over weapons factory attack

Critics of the activists' actions, including the prosecution, argued that the group was willing to escalate their protest beyond property damage, suggesting a readiness to inflict harm if necessary. The prosecution described the raid as an attempt to cause significant disruption to Elbit Systems, a company that has faced scrutiny for its ties to the Israeli military.

Palestine Action activists cleared of burglary following break-in at Israeli-linked defence firm

The acquittal of the Palestine Action activists raises questions about the implications for future protests and the legal boundaries of activism in the UK. The group's proscription as a terrorist organization last year adds another layer of complexity to their actions and the public's perception of their motives.

Palestine Action activists cleared of burglary following break-in at Israeli-linked defence firm

• “the craziest 20 minutes of my life” — Charlotte Head, Activist

Palestine Action activists cleared over weapons factory attack

• “Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court "rightly or wrongly", the activists "genuinely believed the attack on Elbit" would assist the Palestinian cause in Gaza.” — Deanna Heer KC, Prosecutor

Palestine Action activists cleared of burglary following break-in at Israeli-linked defence firm

• “The prosecutor claimed they were prepared to "injure people, if necessary…” — Deanna Heer KC, Prosecutor

Palestine Action activists cleared of burglary following break-in at Israeli-linked defence firm