Concerns by the legal and human rights community about warning signs of erosion of the rule of law and democracy in the United Kingdom
The national and international legal and human rights community is alarmed by credible reports of serious violations of fair trial rights and other human rights of Palestine Action activists in the ongoing “Filton 18” case. The case reflects a broader pattern of increasing restriction and repression of collective dissent in the United Kingdom, including in relation to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“Direct action” against Israeli weapons manufacturing hub
The case concerns the breaking into an Israeli weapons manufacturing hub (linked to Elbit Systems, a military technology company) in Bristol by members of Palestine Action, a grassroots movement that organises direct actions against Israeli weapons factories in the United Kingdom, on 6 August 2024.1 The activists breached two security fences through the use of a de-commissioned prison van, entered the building and damaged equipment and property, including quadcopters (known as “killer drones”),2 in order to disrupt the operations of the company.3 The action allegedly caused 1 million pounds worth of damage.