Britain prosecutes pro-Palestinian activists, protects Israeli occupation companies

LONDON, Nov. 18 (YPA) – The trial of six pro-Palestinian activists began yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court in Britain. They are accused of breaking into the headquarters of Elbit Systems in Bristol in August 2024. Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense company described by pro-Palestinian groups as “part of the occupation.”

The trial took place amid protests outside the court, with demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and holding banners reading “Free Palestine.” Some activists wore keffiyehs as they entered the courtroom as a symbol of solidarity.

According to court documents, Samuel Conner, Jordan Devlin, Charlotte Head, Leona Cameo, Fatima Zainab Rajwani, and Zoe Rogers face charges including burglary, property damage, and causing a grievous nuisance. Conner also faces an additional charge of “intentionally causing harm” to a police officer.

Elbit Systems is one of Israel’s leading defense companies and produces drones and defensive technologies used in the attacks on Gaza. Activists say their protest movement came in rejection of the company’s role in the war, with some protests including climbing onto rooftops, breaking windows, and using red paint as a symbolic reference to blood.

Pro-Palestinian activists believe this case reveals how the British judicial system is used to protect companies linked to the occupation and to criminalize peaceful anti-war movements. The trial is expected to last ten weeks.