In a significant legal development, six activists from the group Palestine Action have been acquitted of aggravated burglary charges following a dramatic break-in at the UK subsidiary of the Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems. The incident, which took place on August 6, 2024, involved a prison van being driven into the factory's perimeter in Filton, near Bristol.

Legal Proceedings and Verdicts

The trial, held at Woolwich Crown Court, concluded with the jury unable to reach verdicts on several charges, including criminal damage and violent disorder. While Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin were cleared of aggravated burglary, the possibility of a retrial looms over unresolved charges. Notably, Samuel Corner remains in custody, facing accusations of grievous bodily harm against police sergeant Kate Evans, a charge on which the jury also failed to reach a verdict.

Activists' Defense and Allegations

The activists, who have drawn comparisons to historical protest movements, maintained that their actions were non-violent, despite prosecutors alleging the use of sledgehammers as weapons against security personnel. Rajiv Menon KC, representing the defendants, argued that any violence was unplanned and that the activists were unprepared for the presence of security guards. The defence also pointed to missing CCTV footage and excessive force used by security.

Public Reaction and Jury Equity

The case has sparked public interest, with around 100 supporters gathering outside the court to celebrate the activists' release. The trial also underscored the principle of "jury equity," allowing jurors to deliver verdicts based on moral grounds. Posters advocating this principle appeared near the court, emphasizing the jury's right to acquit based on conscience.