7 Activists Face Court Alleged Terrorist-Related Actions at Israeli Defence Firm UK Site

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In a case that has drawn significant attention, seven individuals recently appeared in court following a protest at the UK site of Elbit Systems, an Israeli-based defence firm. The protest, which took place at the company's building near Patchway in South Gloucestershire, led to serious charges and claims from prosecutors that the actions of the accused were connected to terrorist-related activities.

 

The incident in question occurred on August 6th and involved a group of people who allegedly forced their way into the Elbit Systems UK building using a vehicle to smash through the doors. Once inside, employees of the firm were reportedly "seriously assaulted," according to Counter Terrorism Policing South East. The force also stated that two officers who responded to the disruption were similarly assaulted in the line of duty.

 

Video footage shared by the activist group involved in the protest, Palestine Action, depicted scenes of activists spraying red paint and using sledgehammers to inflict damage on machinery within the facility. The violent nature of the incident has escalated the legal consequences for those involved, with the Crown Prosecution Service asserting that the event had a "terrorist connection."

 

One of the defendants, Samuel Corner, aged 22, faces a particularly serious charge of grievous bodily harm. He is accused of "unlawfully and maliciously" wounding Sergeant Kate Evans with intent to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detention of another individual. In addition to this charge, Corner is also accused of causing actual bodily harm to two other individuals, Angelo Volante and Police Constable Aaron Buxton.

 

Corner, who lives with his parents in Georgeham, Devon, holds a degree in linguistics and philosophy from the University of Oxford and reportedly has aspirations to pursue a master's degree. His background has added an additional layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the diverse profiles of those involved in the protest.

 

Alongside Corner, six other individuals have been charged in connection with the incident. Jordan Devlin, 30, Charlotte Head, 28, Leona Kameo, 28, Fatema Rajwani, 20, and Zoe Rogers, 20, all face charges of criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary. Hannah Davidson, aged 51, has been charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary.

During the court proceedings, Head, Rajwani, and Rogers denied the charges of criminal damage and violent disorder but entered no pleas for the charge of aggravated burglary, which is an indictable-only offence requiring a crown court's jurisdiction.

 

These three defendants were remanded in custody, as were Corner, Devlin, Kameo, and Davidson, who also entered no pleas. The next court appearance for all seven defendants is scheduled for September 13th at the Old Bailey.

 

The investigation into the incident is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, reflecting the severity with which authorities are treating the case. The involvement of counter-terrorism police underscores the potential implications of the protest and the perceived threat it posed to public safety.

 

In addition to the seven individuals who appeared in court, two other men remain in custody under suspicion of terrorism-related offences. A 45-year-old man from Warwickshire and a 33-year-old man from Manchester are both being held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows for detention without charge for up to 14 days. Magistrates have granted warrants to extend their detention, allowing detectives to continue questioning them until Friday and Saturday, respectively.

 

Superintendent Dan Forster, the north-east area commander for Avon and Somerset Police, commented on the situation, stating, "At this stage, it appears those involved have travelled into the Avon and Somerset police area from other parts of the country to commit these serious offences. We’re not aware of any wider risk to the local community in South Gloucestershire, or any other part of our force area, but we’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a member of their neighbourhood policing team, either through 101 or through our website."

 

Despite the serious charges and the involvement of counter-terrorism police, a spokesperson for Palestine Action, the group behind the protest, issued a statement defending the actions of the activists. The spokesperson said, "Despite arrests under the Terrorism Act, giving the police the ability to detain without charge for up to 14 days, none of the activists have been charged with terrorism offences. This not only vindicates the activists but proves the state was abusing their powers by holding them under draconian laws which saw them interrogated day after day – all in a bid to protect Israel’s biggest weapons manufacturer."

 

The case has sparked a broader debate about the use of anti-terrorism laws in dealing with protests and activism, particularly those related to political causes. While the authorities maintain that the actions of the accused were of a violent and serious nature, the defence argues that the charges are an overreach, intended to stifle legitimate protest against an industry they view as complicit in international conflicts.

 

As the case progresses, it is likely to continue attracting attention not only for its legal implications but also for the political and ethical questions it raises. The outcome will be closely watched by both supporters of Palestine Action and those who advocate for a strong legal response to acts of protest that cross into the realm of violence. The forthcoming court proceedings at the Old Bailey will be a critical next step in determining the fate of the accused and may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

 

 

 

Credit: The Guardian | X  2024-08-15

 

 

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[Chomper Higgot]

Criminal damage and violence against a persons including a police officer performing her duties

 

Lock ‘em up.

 

 

[stevenl]

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Criminal damage and violence against a persons including a police officer performing her duties

 

Lock ‘em up.

 

 

Agree.

 

But terrorism and holding them on terrorism charges, no.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, stevenl said:

Agree.

 

But terrorism and holding them on terrorism charges, no.

Agree.

[cncltd1973]

driving a vehicle into a building seems like a terrorist act