Palestine Action activists accused of storming an Israeli defence firm’s UK base have entered not guilty at the Old Bailey, just before a ceasefire in Gaza is due to take effect. Activists were allegedly armed with sledgehammers and whips when they smashed through the front gates of Elbit Systems base near Patchway, Bristol with a re-purposed prison van, it is said.
The group are accused of causing £1 million of damage in the raid last August, when it is alleged fireworks and flares were let off, a building was smashed into, and equipment was destroyed. Eighteen people have now been charged over the incident, facing allegations of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder.
One of the group, Samuel Corner, is accused of attacking two police officers and a security guard with a sledgehammer during the 3.30am raid on August 6 last year. Ahead of Friday’s hearing, around fifty of the defendant’s supporters staged at protest outside the central London courthouse, calling for “Free Palestine“.
BBC script writer Will-Nyerere Plastow is among the defendants in the criminal case. The hearing came ahead of a planned ceasefire in Gaza, which has now been agreed with the Israeli Security Cabinet and is due to come into effect on Sunday. Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages – including women and children – who have been held since October 6 last year.
