Four activists convicted for raiding Israeli defense factory in Bristol

British courts convicted four members of the banned Palestine Action group for breaking into an Israeli defense factory. The raid targeted Elbit Systems in Bristol ten months after the war in Gaza began. Prosecutors claim the attack caused approximately one million pounds in damages.

Woolwich Crown Court found Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Zainab Rajwani guilty of criminal damage. Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin faced the same charges but were found not guilty. One defendant admitted striking a police officer with a sledgehammer during the incident.

The six activists operated as part of Palestine Action, which the government banned under terrorism laws. London's High Court later ruled the ban unlawful, yet the group remains prohibited while the government appeals. The raid occurred at Elbit's research facility in Filton, Bristol, in August 2024.

Each defendant admitted damaging Israeli military drones and equipment inside the factory. Their lawyers stated the group acted to save lives in Palestine. The defense team argued that destroying these weapons likely prevented harm to civilians. They claimed the defendants entered the trial with their heads held high.

Earlier proceedings resulted in acquittals for aggravated burglary charges against all six people. A previous jury could not reach a decision on criminal damage. Prosecutors subsequently dropped all charges regarding violent disorder.

Elbit Systems employs roughly 20,000 staff and generates $2 billion in revenue. The company operates globally as a major defense technology firm. This conviction marks a significant escalation in legal actions against pro-Palestine activists in the United Kingdom.