Five Palestine Action activists are facing terrorism sentencing after causing £212,000 of damage to a Barclays Bank branch in Burnley. The group targeted the bank due to its shares in Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. The judge has initiated post-conviction proceedings to consider a terrorist connection, raising concerns about the use of counter-terrorism laws against political dissent.
Details of the Protest and Charges
Brendon O’Hagan, 28; Amanda Kelly, 31; Hmeera Atiqnisar, 31; Mohammed Malik, 28; and Alma Yaniv, 70, were found guilty of criminal damage. The protest involved breaking windows and throwing red paint, which a jury deemed as direct action. The incident occurred in August 2024 in Burnley, Lancashire, before Palestine Action was officially banned as a terrorist group.
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Post-Trial Terrorist Connection Ruling
Judge Philip Parry told the prosecution and defense he intended to consider a “terrorist connection” to the offending, despite neither the jury nor the defendants having been previously informed of this possibility. This follows a precedent set by Mr. Justice Johnson, who in a separate case deemed four other Palestine Action activists’ property damage during a raid on Elbit’s Filton factory to have a terrorist connection.
Controversy Over Counter-Terrorism Legislation
Activists argue that labeling peaceful protest as terrorism sets a dangerous precedent. Malik stated: “The judge and the CPS are now seeking to sentence us as terrorists for red paint and a few splintered windows. This goes far beyond the charges before the court.” Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, called it an example of “the floodgates flowing” from the earlier judgment.
Comparison of the Two Cases
| Case | Location | Damage | Terrorist Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barclays Bank (Burnley) | Burnley, Lancashire | £212,000 | Under consideration |
| Elbit Factory (Filton) | Filton, Bristol | Property damage to drones | Yes (Johnson ruling) |
Key Takeaways
- Five activists face potential terrorism sentencing for vandalizing a bank.
- The judge’s move to consider a terrorist connection post-conviction is unprecedented for property damage.
- Critics warn this could criminalize legitimate political protest under counter-terrorism laws.
- The CPS argues the damage was intended to intimidate the public and influence government policy.
- Sentencing is expected to set a legal precedent for future direct action cases.
FAQ
What is Palestine Action?
Palestine Action is a direct action group that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to protest against Israeli military operations and companies that supply weapons to Israel. It was banned as a terrorist organization in the UK after the incidents described.
What does “terrorist connection” mean in legal terms?
Under UK law, an offense can be deemed to have a terrorist connection if it is intended to intimidate the public, influence government policy, or advance a political, religious, racial, or ideological cause. This can lead to longer sentences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Why was the bank targeted?
Barclays Bank held shares in Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company that supplies drones and other military technology to the Israeli military. Activists consider this complicity in alleged war crimes.
The case continues to draw attention to the intersection of activism, property damage, and anti-terror legislation. Sentencing is expected to take place in the coming months, and the outcome could affect how future protests are legally classified.
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