Palestine Action Activists to Face Retrial Over Elbit Systems Break-In
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Six Palestine Action activists face a retrial for charges related to a break-in at Elbit Systems UK, after a jury failed to reach verdicts on criminal damage and violent disorder.
- Aggravated burglary charges against 18 other activists have been dropped due to insufficient evidence, though they still face other allegations.
- The retrial for the six activists is scheduled for 16 February 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court.
- The initial trial saw the jury deliberating for over 36 hours, with some defendants spending 18 months in custody.
- Elbit Systems UK denies allegations of involvement in supplying weapons to the Israeli military.
Six activists from Palestine Action are set to face a retrial following a break-in at the UK site of Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defence firm. The retrial, scheduled for 16 February 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court, comes after a jury was unable to reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage and violent disorder.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The activists, Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin, were previously acquitted of aggravated burglary related to the 6 August 2024 incident at Elbit Systems' Filton site. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC announced that aggravated burglary charges against 18 other defendants have been dropped due to insufficient evidence. However, these individuals still face charges of criminal damage and, in some cases, violent disorder.
Background and Initial Trial
The initial trial, which began in November and concluded on 4 February, saw the jury deliberating for more than 36 hours. Despite the acquittal on aggravated burglary, the jury could not reach a consensus on other charges. Notably, Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but no verdict was reached. The activists, except for Corner, were released on conditional bail after spending approximately 18 months in custody.
Allegations Against Elbit Systems
Palestine Action alleges that Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military, a claim the company strongly denies. The activists reportedly used sledgehammers during the break-in, which their lawyers argued were intended to damage property rather than harm individuals.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The upcoming retrial could have significant implications for both the activists and Elbit Systems. If convicted, the activists could face severe penalties, potentially impacting future protest activities. The case also highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the UK’s involvement with international defence firms and their alleged roles in global conflicts. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the retrial could influence future legal strategies for both prosecutors and defence teams in similar cases. As the retrial approaches, the legal community will be closely watching for any shifts in judicial attitudes towards activism-related charges.
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Palestine Action Activists to Face Retrial Over Elbit Systems Break-In
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Six Palestine Action activists face a retrial for charges related to a break-in at Elbit Systems UK, after a jury failed to reach verdicts on criminal damage and violent disorder.
- Aggravated burglary charges against 18 other activists have been dropped due to insufficient evidence, though they still face other allegations.
- The retrial for the six activists is scheduled for 16 February 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court.
- The initial trial saw the jury deliberating for over 36 hours, with some defendants spending 18 months in custody.
- Elbit Systems UK denies allegations of involvement in supplying weapons to the Israeli military.
Six activists from Palestine Action are set to face a retrial following a break-in at the UK site of Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defence firm. The retrial, scheduled for 16 February 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court, comes after a jury was unable to reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage and violent disorder.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The activists, Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin, were previously acquitted of aggravated burglary related to the 6 August 2024 incident at Elbit Systems' Filton site. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC announced that aggravated burglary charges against 18 other defendants have been dropped due to insufficient evidence. However, these individuals still face charges of criminal damage and, in some cases, violent disorder.
Background and Initial Trial
The initial trial, which began in November and concluded on 4 February, saw the jury deliberating for more than 36 hours. Despite the acquittal on aggravated burglary, the jury could not reach a consensus on other charges. Notably, Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but no verdict was reached. The activists, except for Corner, were released on conditional bail after spending approximately 18 months in custody.
Allegations Against Elbit Systems
Palestine Action alleges that Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military, a claim the company strongly denies. The activists reportedly used sledgehammers during the break-in, which their lawyers argued were intended to damage property rather than harm individuals.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The upcoming retrial could have significant implications for both the activists and Elbit Systems. If convicted, the activists could face severe penalties, potentially impacting future protest activities. The case also highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the UK’s involvement with international defence firms and their alleged roles in global conflicts. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the retrial could influence future legal strategies for both prosecutors and defence teams in similar cases. As the retrial approaches, the legal community will be closely watching for any shifts in judicial attitudes towards activism-related charges.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Arrest Sparks International Calls for Justice
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