Full Breakdown
Palestine Action activists on trial for Elbit Systems factory break-in
By Drooid · · How we work
Break-in and trial overview
On August 6, 2024, a group of five activists entered the Elbit Systems UK Ltd factory in Filton, on the outskirts of Bristol, during the early hours. Prosecutors allege the defendants formed a “black team” that overwhelmed security guards while a “red team” broke through perimeter fences and damaged equipment. Security guard Nigel Shaw suffered a 4 cm laceration to his head after being struck. All five defendants—Qesser Zuhrah, Zahra Farooque, Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Liam Mullany—are charged with criminal damage and violent disorder and deny the allegations. The case is being heard at Woolwich Crown Court, where jurors were also shown footage of the attack.
Background and context
Elbit Systems UK Ltd manufactures defence-technology equipment, including drones, for the British armed forces. The factory’s parent company is based in Israel. The activists are members of Palestine Action, a campaign that has previously staged protests against companies linked to the Israeli defence industry. Police investigations uncovered a detailed plan that labelled the “black team” as “Coverts” and the “red team” as “Overts,” outlining coordinated entry and escape routes.
Key figures
- Qesser Zuhrah, 21 – identified as the “co-ordinator” of the black team, responsible for recruiting and training participants.
- Zahra Farooque, 26 – member of the black team; denied the charges.
- Kamran Ahmed, 29 – member of the black team; denied the charges.
- Heba Muraisi, 31 – described by the court as taking a leading role, shouting instructions; carried a GoPro camera.
- Liam Mullany, 34 – member of the black team; denied the charges.
Official statements & responses
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC described the operation as “carefully planned,” noting that participants knew their specific roles. She said the black team’s purpose was to “frighten and intimidate” guards to prevent them from stopping the red team’s entry. Heer also highlighted that the defendants wore matching jumpsuits, making identification on video difficult, and that a prison van driven by a red-team member crashed through the first fence at about 3:30 am BST, after which the black team followed on foot shouting “Free Palestine.”
Verbatim quotes
- “The black team did that by threatening, intimidating and, if necessary, assaulting the guards by throwing fireworks at them, brandishing weapons such as whips and hammers and large metal kebab skewers.” — Prosecutor Deanna Heer (Prosecutor Deanna Heer, BBC)