UK convicts four Palestine Action activists over break-in at Israeli firm

Four members of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action have been convicted of criminal damage following a raid on Elbit Systems' facility in Bristol in August 2024. The group, which was later proscribed under terrorism law, targeted the Israeli defense firm's research and development site, causing approximately one million pounds in damage. One defendant was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm for striking a police officer with a sledgehammer. The activists admitted to damaging military drones and equipment, stating their aim was to save lives in Palestine. Two other defendants were acquitted of all charges. This verdict follows an earlier trial where the same individuals were acquitted of aggravated burglary.

Four Palestine Action activists were convicted of criminal damage following a break-in at an Israeli defence firm's UK factory in Filton on August 6, 2024. Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani were found guilty of damaging property, including drones and computers, manufactured by Elbit Systems. Samuel Corner was also convicted of grievous bodily harm for striking a police sergeant with a sledgehammer, fracturing her spine, though he was cleared of intent. Two other activists, Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin, were acquitted of criminal damage. The activists crashed a van through the factory fence and used tools and fire extinguishers to cause damage. Corner claimed he panicked after being pepper-sprayed and acted to protect a co-defendant.