UK court jails Palestinian Action activists on ‘terrorism’ charges

Four activists from the group Palestinian Action have been sentenced to prison by a UK court for a raid on Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company. The judge at Woolwich Crown Court described the August 2024 raid as a "terrorist act," handing down sentences of approximately five to eight years. The activists were convicted of criminal damage, with one also found guilty of assaulting a police officer with a sledgehammer, causing a fractured spine. The group stated their objective was to disrupt drones and weaponry they believed were destined for Gaza. The judge cited "serious property damage" to Israeli weapons and the defendants' intent to influence the British government and intimidate Elbit Systems as reasons for the terrorism connection.

Four activists from Palestine Action have been ruled by a judge to be sentenced as terrorists for criminal damage at an Israeli arms manufacturer's UK factory. The group caused approximately £1.2 million in damage to drones and other equipment at the Elbit Systems UK site in Gloucestershire in 2024. One defendant, Samuel Corner, was also convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent for striking a police sergeant with a sledgehammer. The judge stated the actions were designed to intimidate the UK government and the public for political or ideological purposes. This ruling means the four will face harsher sentences and increased reporting requirements. The decision has drawn protests and criticism from defense lawyers who argue it misapplies terrorism sentencing to non-violent offenses.