Palestine Action activist says jury verdicts were vindication of cause

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondentFebruary 11, 2026 at 11:28 AM

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Fatema Rajwani, a Palestine Action activist, was acquitted of aggravated burglary and violent disorder related to a 2024 raid on an Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol. Rajwani and five others were arrested after breaking into the Israeli defense firm's UK site. The prosecution alleged the activists, armed with sledgehammers, threatened security guards and caused damage. Rajwani admitted to dismantling drones with a crowbar, stating the action aimed to stop harm by the Israeli regime. The defense argued any violence was unplanned and security guards used excessive force. While Rajwani and others were acquitted, the jury failed to reach a verdict on a GBH charge against another defendant. Rajwani views the verdicts as a vindication of their cause, suggesting the public opposes criminalizing support for Palestinian rights.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bristol 40% Kate Evans 40% Labour government 50% Woolwich Crown Court 50% United Kingdom 60% Filton ×260% Samuel Corner 60% Israeli regime 70% Elbit Systems 80% Palestine Action ×290% Fatema Rajwani ×695%

Keywords

palestine action 100% activists 90% aggravated burglary 80% jury verdict 80% israeli defence firm 70% elbit systems 60% dismantling drones 50% violent disorder 50% political aims 40% self-determination 40%