Arabic version: نشطاء مدانون بسبب اقتحام شركة دفاع في بريستول

Four Palestine Action activists have been found guilty of criminal damage following a raid at an Elbit Systems factory near Bristol. The incident occurred in August 2024, where the activists broke into the site, causing extensive damage and engaging in confrontations with security personnel and police.

According to BBC News, the activists, dressed in red jumpsuits, utilized a decommissioned prison van to breach security shutters at the facility. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC detailed that the group wielded tools such as crowbars and hammers to destroy various items, including computers and drones, which they believed were intended for use by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.

Among the defendants, Samuel Corner was also found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm after striking Sgt Kate Evans with a sledgehammer during the raid. The jury took over 14 hours to reach their verdicts, following a retrial prompted by the first jury’s inability to reach a consensus on all charges.

The initial jury had acquitted all defendants of aggravated burglary, which is a more serious charge that could lead to a life sentence. The emotional verdicts were met with tears from supporters and family members present in the courtroom as the six defendants held hands in solidarity.