Full Breakdown
Protesters’ Coordinated Attack on Elbit Systems Factory Leads to Trial
By Drooid · · How we work
The break-in and alleged tactics
In the early hours of August 6, 2024, a group identified by prosecutors as a “black team” in black jumpsuits moved onto the perimeter of Elbit Systems’ defence-technology factory in Filton, Bristol. A prison van driven by a “red team” member crashed through the first fence at about 3:30 a.m., allowing the red team to breach the building. The black team followed on foot, shouting “Free Palestine,” while brandishing fireworks, whips, hammers and large metal kebab skewers. Video shown to jurors captured black-team members lighting fireworks and launching them toward unarmed security guards, and others raising skewers while shouting “back off.”
Prosecutor’s case and evidence
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC described the operation as “carefully planned,” noting that participants had signed up to a step-by-step plan and knew their specific roles. She told jurors that the black team’s purpose was to intimidate the guards so the red team could enter and destroy property. The court was informed that security guard Nigel Shaw suffered a 4 cm head laceration after being struck by a black-team member. Heer also highlighted that the defendants’ faces were masked, complicating police identification from the footage.
Defendants and alleged roles
Five activists—Qesser Zuhrah (21), Zahra Farooque (26), Kamran Ahmed (29), Heba Muraisi (31) and Liam Mullany (34)—are charged with criminal damage and violent disorder. Prosecutors allege that Zuhrah and Muraisi were identified as leading black-team members; Zuhrah wore white trainers and a black-and-white bandana, while Muraisi carried a GoPro camera and directed teammates. After the attack, Zuhrah circulated a message urging participants to delete videos, dispose of clothing, treat injuries and avoid speaking about the action. All five defendants deny the charges.
Court proceedings and status
The trial opened at Woolwich Crown Court on August 6, 2024. Jurors heard detailed descriptions of the coordinated plan, the injuries inflicted, and the defendants’ alleged communications. The court has not yet delivered a verdict; the trial continues.
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
- “Although they may not have gone into the factory and wielded the crowbars and sledgehammers in the building to smash up Elbit’s property, each of them signed up to a plan to help the red team do just that, and thereby to shut Elbit down for as long as possible.” — Ms Heer