Protesters gather at London court to support Palestine action activists

Protesters gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, June 12, to show support for a group known as the “Filton 24,” whose trial is ongoing over a protest at an Israeli defense company’s facility in Bristol in 2024, Anadolu reports.

Four activists linked to Palestine Action will appear for sentencing after being found guilty of criminal damage, violent disorder and grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident at an Elbit Systems facility in Filton, Bristol.

The court is also considering whether to apply a terrorism connection to the case under the Sentencing Act, citing claims that the action aimed to influence the Israeli government.

Six activists from the group entered an Elbit Systems facility in Filton, Bristol, last year, damaging drones and military equipment under production. The total damage was estimated at £1 million ($1.27 million).

The group has previously disrupted operations at factories and headquarters across the United Kingdom and recently splashed red paint on the engines of two military planes at Brize Norton Airbase.

Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military manufacturer, which reported $6.8 billion in revenue last year, describes itself as the backbone of the Israeli military’s drone fleet. Its UK operations reported an operating loss of £4.7 million ($6 million) last year, compared with a £3.8 million ($4.8 million) profit in 2023, according to company filings.

The company specializes in communication systems, reconnaissance technologies, unmanned aircraft and ground vehicles.

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