-
What are the details of the activists' trial over the Elbit attack?
Six activists are on trial in London for their involvement in a coordinated break-in at Elbit Systems' UK factory in Bristol in August 2024. They face charges including aggravated burglary, criminal damage, violent disorder, and grievous bodily harm after police sergeant Kate Evans was struck with a sledgehammer, resulting in a fractured spine. The trial is expected to last around 10 weeks and includes detailed courtroom testimony, police footage, and evidence of the defendants' use of sledgehammers and red paint to damage property.
-
Why are protests against Palestine Action ongoing in the UK?
Protests against Palestine Action continue in the UK because supporters oppose the group's proscription as a terrorist organization and believe their activism is a response to the UK’s arms trade with Israel. The group was banned in July 2025 after acts of vandalism, including attacks on military sites. Supporters argue that the protests are part of a broader fight against arms manufacturing and military violence, and they are challenging the legality of the group's proscription and the restrictions on civil liberties.
-
What charges are activists facing for the Elbit factory break-in?
The six activists are facing multiple serious charges, including aggravated burglary, criminal damage, violent disorder, and grievous bodily harm. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in damaging property at the Elbit Systems UK factory and injuring police officers during the attack. The police describe the defendants' actions as violent and deliberate, with one officer suffering a fractured spine after being hit with a sledgehammer.
-
How does this trial fit into the broader context of UK protests?
This trial is part of a wider wave of protests and legal actions related to anti-arms trade activism and the banning of Palestine Action. Supporters see it as a fight for civil liberties and against government policies they view as unjust. The case highlights tensions between law enforcement and activists, raising questions about protest rights, anti-terror legislation, and the political climate surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK.
-
What is the political background behind the Palestine Action protests?
Palestine Action was founded in 2020 to disrupt the UK arms industry linked to Israel, aiming to oppose military exports and promote Palestinian rights. The group was banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025 after a series of vandalism acts, including attacks on military sites. Supporters argue that the protests are a form of political activism against UK arms exports, while critics see them as criminal acts. The ongoing protests reflect deep political divisions over UK foreign policy and arms trade.
-
What injuries did police officers sustain during the Elbit attack?
Police officers, including Sergeant Kate Evans, were injured during the attack on the Elbit factory. Sergeant Evans was struck with a sledgehammer, which caused her to suffer a fractured spine and rendered her unable to work for months. Witnesses and police footage describe the defendants' use of violence, emphasizing the serious physical harm caused during the incident. The case underscores the violent nature of the protest and the impact on law enforcement personnel.