Four Palestine Action activists sentenced for a 2024 raid on an Israeli arms factory in the UK are appealing their convictions and prison terms, arguing the rulings violate human rights protections.
Activists challenge convictions
Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio and Fatema Zainab Rajwani were convicted of criminal damage with a terrorist connection after a raid on an Elbit Systems site near Bristol in August 2024. The group carried out the action before Palestine Action was banned under UK terrorism laws.
Sentences and grounds for appeal
Head and Kamio received five-year terms. Corner, also convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent, was given seven years and eight months. Rajwani, the youngest at 21, received four years and eight months. The appeal cites Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights, noting the organisation was not proscribed at the time of the offence. Lawyers also argue the sentences were excessive and breached fair-trial standards.
Family statements
Mothers of two of the activists spoke at a London press conference. They described prison conditions and long-term restrictions their daughters face after release, including 15 years of notification requirements on addresses, relationships and bank accounts.
Context of the case
The Filton raid targeted a UK affiliate of Elbit Systems, which supplies drones to the Israeli military. The case marked the first time property damage alone was treated as terrorism in British courts. Human rights groups and some legal experts have criticised the approach.
Next steps
No hearing date has been set. Supporters say they expect proceedings to begin in the coming months.
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