Four UK pro-Palestinian activists jailed over raid at Israeli firm Elbit

Four UK pro-Palestinian activists were jailed on June 12, 2026, following a raid on the Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems UK in August 2024. The activists, identified as Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani, caused approximately £1.2 million in damages to military assets, including drones and IT systems, at the company's facility near Bristol. Samuel Corner was also found guilty of grievous bodily harm without intent for striking a police officer during the incident.

Justice Jeremy Johnson imposed sentences ranging from four years and eight months to seven years and eight months. Notably, the judge ruled that the offenses had a "terrorist connection," a controversial decision that increased the severity of the sentences and marks a significant legal precedent in the UK for protests involving criminal damage. This classification was based on the intent to intimidate the UK government and public, and to advance a political or ideological cause.

The raid occurred amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the activists claiming their actions were aimed at disrupting the production of weapons they believed contributed to the violence. The organization Palestine Action, to which the activists belonged, was later proscribed as a terrorist entity by the UK government, though this decision is currently under appeal. The sentencing drew public attention, with supporters protesting outside the court and raising concerns about the application of anti-terrorism laws to direct action.