Palestine Action Activists Acquitted of Aggravated Burglary at Elbit Systems UK Factory
A jury has cleared six activists from Palestine Action of aggravated burglary following a protest at an Elbit Systems UK factory in Bristol on August 6, 2024. The case, which concluded at Woolwich Crown Court, centers on a meticulously planned demonstration targeting the defense technology company, a subsidiary of an Israeli-based firm.
The six defendants – Samuel Corner, 23, Charlotte Head, 29, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31 – were accused of using a prison van as a “battering ram” to gain entry to the Elbit Systems UK site. Prosecutors alleged the group, clad in red boiler suits and armed with sledgehammers, caused significant damage, including spraying red paint, breaking computer equipment, and vandalizing a disabled toilet.
Despite admitting to entering the factory and causing damage, the jury found the six not guilty of aggravated burglary. They also acquitted Rajwani, Rogers, and Devlin of charges of violent disorder. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on charges of criminal damage, and for three of the defendants, violent disorder. A separate charge of causing grievous bodily harm against Corner also resulted in a hung jury.
The grievous bodily harm charge stemmed from allegations that Corner struck a Police Sergeant, Kate Evans, in the back with a sledgehammer while she was on the floor, resulting in a lumbar spine fracture. Corner’s legal team argued he believed Kamio or Rogers were in immediate danger at the time of the incident.
Following the announcement of the verdicts, the defendants embraced and acknowledged supporters in the public gallery. Prior to the jury’s decision, the judge cautioned them to disregard posters advocating for “jury equity” – a principle allowing jurors to deliver verdicts based on conscience – which had been placed near the courthouse. Local police were asked to remove the posters.
The prosecution emphasized that the events occurred before Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws, rendering the ban irrelevant to the case. They have indicated they will consider seeking a retrial on the remaining charges.
According to testimony presented in court, Elbit Systems UK manufactures defense technology equipment and is a UK-registered company with its parent company based in Israel. Prosecutors stated that the defendants, with the exception of metal worker Devlin, testified they believed their actions would support the Palestinian cause in Gaza. However, the prosecution countered that the group was prepared to inflict harm on anyone obstructing their goal of shutting down the facility.
Body-worn camera footage presented as evidence depicted security guards being verbally abused, threatened with sledgehammers, and physically assaulted, with one guard being sprayed with a fire extinguisher.
During the trial, Head’s barrister, Rajiv Menon KC, drew parallels between the activists and the suffragettes, noting that both groups were labeled as threats to the social order and subjected to harsh criticism in the media.
The outcome of this case raises complex questions about the boundaries of protest and the legal ramifications of direct action against companies involved in the defense industry. The prosecution’s decision regarding a retrial on the remaining charges will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of Palestine Action.
