Arabic version: ناشطة مؤيدة لفلسطين تكشف عن محاولة انتحار في سجن بريطاني
Charlotte Head, a pro-Palestine activist, recently shared her harrowing experience of attempting suicide during her 18-month detention in a UK prison. Head was arrested in connection with a raid at the Bristol branch of Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer. She was part of the so-called “Filton 24,” a group of activists accused of targeting the company in August 2024. Head’s arrest occurred less than a year after the UK government designated Palestine Action, the group behind the protests, as a “terrorist” organization.
According to Al Jazeera, Head described the severe isolation she felt in custody, particularly after being transferred to Foston Hall prison, which was located nearly 250km (155 miles) north from her family and friends. In August 2025, she attempted to take her own life, stating, “I was so depressed and so isolated” and feeling powerless against the negative public narrative about her and her fellow activists.
Following her suicide attempt, Head was taken to an emergency department, where she was handcuffed to a prison officer. She returned to prison the next day, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the prison system. In 2025 alone, 29 people died in UK prisons under circumstances labeled as “self-inflicted.”
Head was released on bail three weeks ago after spending 18 months in custody without being convicted of any crime. She noted that the prison conditions require significant improvement, particularly regarding the treatment of political activists. While she adjusts to life outside prison, she continues her activism and has participated in efforts to track the repression of pro-Palestine voices.
Recently, the High Court ruled that the ban on Palestine Action was unlawful, leading to the acquittal of all “Filton 24” defendants of aggravated burglary. However, the Home Secretary has been granted permission to appeal this ruling. Meanwhile, protests against Elbit Systems UK continue, with activists employing various tactics to disrupt the company’s operations.
