UK judge rules Elbit protesters face 'terrorism connection' sentencing

A British judge has ruled that four Palestine Action activists convicted over a raid on an Israeli arms manufacturer's UK facility will face sentencing on the basis that their offenses carry a "terrorism connection," marking the first such designation for criminal damage protesters in British legal history. Justice Johnson announced the determination on Tuesday ahead of delivering his sentence, finding that the defendants caused damage at Elbit Systems' plant near Bristol on August 6, 2024.

'Not trivial or minor'

The judge said the raid was "not trivial or minor" and was carried out with the aim of either stopping the company from operating or "causing the government to prevent it operating." The ruling applies to Leona Kamio, Samuel Corner, Fatema Rajwani, and Charlotte Head, who were convicted of criminal damage following the incident. Justice Johnson said the defendants acted "for the purpose of advancing a political and/or ideological cause."

Terrorism sentencing framework

The determination means the activists will be sentenced on the basis that their offenses have a "terrorism connection" — the first time UK protesters convicted of criminal damage have faced such an enhancement. Justice Johnson noted that the defendants caused "serious property damage" with the intention of influencing the UK government and "intimidating a section of the public," adding that this would affect their sentencing.

Elbit facilities in Britain

Elbit Systems, Israel's largest military manufacturer, maintains several offices and production facilities across Britain, producing communication systems, surveillance technologies, and unmanned vehicles. The August 6 raid targeted the company's plant near Bristol — one of multiple UK sites operated by the Israeli firm. The defendants await their final sentences following Tuesday's ruling.