Four activists from the group Palestine Action were found guilty of criminal damage after breaking into an Elbit Systems factory near Bristol on August 6, 2024. The defendants—Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani—were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court following a trial that lasted over two weeks.
Key Takeaways
Four out of six Palestine Action activists were convicted of criminal damage for breaking into an Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in August 2024. Samuel Corner was also found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a police officer, while Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were acquitted.
- Four activists convicted of criminal damage at Elbit Systems factory
- Samuel Corner additionally convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm
- Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin acquitted of all charges
- Activists aimed to destroy what they believed were combat drones for Israeli use in Gaza
According to The Guardian, the activists used sledgehammers and crowbars to destroy computers, drones, and other equipment. The court heard that they also sprayed red paint across the walls and floor using fire extinguishers. Corner was additionally convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Sgt Kate Evans after striking her with a sledgehammer.
The BBC reported that the activists claimed their actions were aimed at destroying what they believed to be combat drones and other military equipment used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza. The group had previously been acquitted of aggravated burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The trial was notable for its emotional moments, including defendants addressing the jury directly to express their support for their actions. As reported by Reuters, Zoe Rogers stated that the raid was 'the best thing I've ever done' and believed it had saved lives. The activists were part of a group later proscribed under terrorism law, though this decision has been challenged in court.
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