Full Breakdown
Four Palestine Action activists sentenced for “terrorist-connected” raid on Elbit Systems factory
6/15/2026, 2:03:34 AM
The Bristol raid and sentencing
On 6 August 2024 four members of the protest group Palestine Action broke into the Elbit Systems UK facility near Bristol, using a prison van to breach the perimeter and destroying computers, drones and other military equipment. During the confrontation, activist Samuel Corner struck Police Sergeant Kate Evans with a sledgehammer, fracturing her spine. In a retrial at Woolwich Crown Court, the four were convicted of criminal damage; Corner was also found guilty of grievous bodily harm. On 12 June 2026 the judge imposed custodial terms of seven years eight months (Corner) and five years each for Charlotte Head and Leona Kamio, with Fatema Rajwani receiving four years eight months. All sentences include an additional year on licence.
Background: proscription of Palestine Action
Palestine Action, founded in 2018, campaigns to end what it describes as “global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.” In July 2025 the UK government proscribed the group under the 2000 Terrorism Act, classifying it alongside armed organisations. The High Court ruled the ban “unlawful and disproportionate” in February 2026, but the proscription remains in force pending a Court of Appeal hearing on 14 June 2026.
Key actors
- Activists: Charlotte Head (30), Samuel Corner (23/27 in sources), Leona Kamio (30), Fatema Zainab Rajwani (21).
- Target: Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor with UK operations.
- Judge: Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson, Woolwich Crown Court.
- Victim: Sgt Kate Evans, Metropolitan Police.
- Government: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood; UK Ministry of Justice.
- Civil-rights groups: Amnesty International UK (Kerry Moscogiuri), legal scholars, and a coalition of over 130 public figures.
Timeline of events
- Oct 2023: Israel-Hamas conflict escalates.
- 6 Aug 2024: Elbit raid carried out.
- May 2026: Criminal-damage convictions confirmed.
- 12 Jun 2026: Sentencing and “terrorist-connection” finding.
- 14 Jun 2026: Court of Appeal to rule on the proscription’s legality.
Damage and sentences (data)
- Estimated property damage: £1.2 million (? $1.6 million).
- Military assets damaged: 41 items, including six drone units.
- Sentences total: 22 years 4 months of imprisonment.
- Arrests of supporters: reports vary between 72, 100 and 107.
- Protesters outside court: roughly 500.
Legal reasoning and official responses
The judge held that the raid was “designed to influence the UK government and intimidate a section of the public” and therefore satisfied the statutory definition of a terrorism connection, justifying enhanced sentencing. The Home Secretary expressed disappointment with the High Court’s ban-reversal and pledged to appeal. Amnesty International described the sentencing as “completely disproportionate” and warned it sets a dangerous precedent for protest rights. Elbit Systems reported an insurance payout covering the damage and noted ongoing staff-well-being concerns.
Criticism and opposition
Human-rights lawyers and civil-society groups argue the terrorism label stretches the law, with Rajiv Menon KC calling it “an invitation to chilling, creeping authoritarianism.” Over 130 public figures, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Labour MP John McDonnell, condemned the sentences as “truly shocking.” An open letter signed by academics and barristers warned that treating property damage as terrorism blurs the line between civil disobedience and violent extremism.
On-the-ground impact
Sgt Evans testified that the incident left her with “profound and ongoing” emotional trauma and disturbed sleep. Demonstrators outside the court faced mass arrests; police issued a dispersal order after 500 supporters gathered, many holding signs reading “Saving lives is not terrorism.”
Conflicting reports and gaps
Sources differ on the number of arrests of supporters (72, 100, 107) and on Corner’s age (23 vs 27). Damage estimates range from £1 million to £1.2 million, and the count of military assets varies between 41 and “over 40.” No official figure has been released for the total number of protesters detained during the court-day.
Verbatim quotes
- “Each defendant agreed to take part in high-level actions, and did so with the shared aim of shutting down Elbit and ending what they regarded as British complicity in Israeli war crimes.” — Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson
- “The emotional impact of this incident has been profound and ongoing.” — Sgt Kate Evans
- “Criminal damage has never been treated as terrorism within the UK justice system before, and it is completely disproportionate to do so because the offence occurred at a protest.” — Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK chief executive
- “It is an invitation to chilling, creeping authoritarianism that undermines the very fabric of our society.” — Rajiv Menon KC, defence barrister
- “I am disappointed by the court’s decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate.” — Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary
What’s next
The Court of Appeal will decide whether the High Court’s ruling on the proscription stands, a decision that could reshape the legal treatment of protest groups and the use of terrorism-connection provisions in future cases. The four activists have indicated they will appeal the sentencing on the basis that the terrorism finding was unlawful.
