Four imprisoned Palestine Action activists appeal ‘terrorism’ sentences | Israel-Palestine conflict News
LONDON, UK – Four activists from Palestine Action, who were convicted of terrorist-related criminal damage, are appealing their sentences. Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Zainab Rajwani were found guilty in connection with an August 2024 raid on an Israeli arms manufacturing facility in Filton, near Bristol.
This case marked a significant legal precedent as it was the first instance in British courts where property damage was classified as “terrorism.” Human rights advocates condemned the ruling following the sentencing in June. Shahd Hammouri, a lecturer in international law at the University of Kent, characterized the judgment as a troubling departure from the rule of law, which she argued places foreign criminal interests above the rights of UK citizens.
The appeal, announced at a London press conference on Thursday, claims the conviction contravenes Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights, given that Palestine Action was not a proscribed organization at the time of the incident. The defense also contends that the sentences are disproportionate and violate principles of natural justice outlined in Article 6 of the ECHR, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
Head and Kamio each received five-year sentences, while Corner, convicted of additional charges including grievous bodily harm for assaulting a police officer, was sentenced to seven years and eight months. Rajwani, the youngest of the group at 21, was sentenced to four years and eight months.
The mothers of Kamio and Rajwani expressed their emotional distress regarding their daughters’ situations, voicing pride in their activism. Sukaina Rajwani noted the potential for her daughter to face long-term struggles for freedom, while Emma Kamio reflected on the impact of her daughter’s sentence, predicting that Leona would be 50 years old upon her release.
Palestine Action’s main target, Elbit Systems, portrays its drones as essential to the Israeli military. The group states its commitment to disrupting arms supplies tied to what it terms the “genocidal and apartheid regime” in Israel, arguing that each action taken can prevent harm to Palestinians.
James Smith, a physician recently returned from providing medical care in Gaza, spoke in support of the activists, stating that their direct actions are necessary due to the overwhelming consequences of warfare on healthcare systems. Smith mentioned a specific instance involving a 10-month-old baby killed by an Israeli drone strike, underscoring the urgency of the group’s mission.
The activists involved in the raid, referred to as the “Filton 24,” aimed to target drones manufactured by Elbit Systems. Smith emphasized the importance of proactive measures in preventing harm, referring to a key principle in medical ethics.
Individuals labeled as “terrorists” in the UK face long-term scrutiny post-sentencing. Kamio expressed concern that her daughter, who previously worked in early childhood education, would be unable to resume her career due to enhanced checks following her release. Supporting activists noted that individuals convicted and marked as terrorists are subject to stringent notification requirements for 15 years after their release.
Heightened scrutiny surrounded the trial, particularly when Head’s lawyer, Rajiv Menon KC, faced allegations of contempt of court for remarks suggesting governmental ties to Elbit Systems. Menon’s case remains contentious, with criticism from senior legal experts regarding his prosecution.
In June 2025, the UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, making it illegal to support the group. This classification, which equated Palestine Action with recognized terrorist entities, has sparked outrage among civil liberties organizations and drawn condemnation from United Nations experts.
From prison, Charlotte Head described her sentencing as politically driven, aimed at justifying the government’s crackdown on Palestine Action. While no date has been set for the appeal hearing, lawyer Simon Natas expressed optimism that proceedings would commence in the near future.
