Pro-Palestinian activists not guilty in Elbit Systems protest case

A jury at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday cleared six activists linked to Palestine Action of charges related to trespass at a defense industry company linked to the Israeli regime.

The case stemmed from a protest raid on August 6, targeting a site operated by Elbit Systems in the city of Bristol. Prosecutors alleged that the defendants unlawfully entered the premises, possessed tools intended for criminal damage, vandalized equipment and sprayed red paint at the facility.

The Crown Prosecution Service had pursued the case under one of the most serious criminal offence categories in English law. However, the jury concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish the required legal elements to secure a conviction.

Prosecutors noted that the alleged actions took place before the UK government’s decision to formally designate Palestine Action as a banned organization came into force, meaning the proscription did not directly apply to the court proceedings.

The British government last year classified Palestine Action as a proscribed group in a move that drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations and civil society activists. Critics described the decision as an attempt to use counterterrorism legislation to curb pro-Palestinian protests.

Following the designation, British police arrested hundreds of demonstrators during rallies and marches in support of Palestine across several cities, citing alleged support for the group or the display of related symbols and slogans.