Palestine Action Activists Used Whips and Hammers in Arms Factory Raid 2026

Palestine Action activists used whips and hammers to threaten guards during a break-in at an Israel-linked arms factory, a court has heard. The dramatic details emerged at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, where five defendants went on trial charged with criminal damage and violent disorder over the raid at the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol.

Prosecution Alleges Coordinated Attack

Prosecutor Diana Heer told the jury that the defendants were part of a "black team," wearing black jumpsuits, whose role was to overwhelm security guards so that a "red team," wearing red jumpsuits, could break into the factory and smash up equipment including drones. The raid occurred in the early hours of 6 August 2024.

According to the prosecution, an alleged plan of the raid discovered by police stated: "Shut Elbit Down. This is our primary objective as Palestine Action. We can do that by sticking together and ensuring it's destruction with our brains and muscle."

The five defendants—Qesser Zuhrah, 21, Zahra Farooque, 26, Kamran Ahmed, 29, Heba Muraisi, 31, and Liam Mullany, 34—deny the charges.

Violence Erupts as Guards Confronted

Jurors were told that a security guard, Nigel Shaw, suffered a 4cm laceration to his head after being attacked. Shaw had struck a member of the black team across the back of his legs with an umbrella. Heer said: "The role of the black team was to overwhelm the security guards so that the red team could break into the factory. They did so by threatening, intimidating and, in some cases, attacking the guards."

The court heard that the activists brandished whips, hammers, and kebab skewers to intimidate security guards and keep them at bay. The prosecution alleges that the group's actions were part of a coordinated effort to cause maximum disruption and damage.

Key Takeaways from the Trial

• Five Palestine Action activists face charges of criminal damage and violent disorder.
• Prosecutors allege a "black team" used whips, hammers, and skewers to threaten guards.
• A "red team" allegedly smashed equipment, including drones, inside the factory.
• The raid targeted Elbit Systems, an Israel-linked arms manufacturer.
• All defendants deny the charges.

Comparing the Teams' Roles

The trial continues, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence in the coming days. The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action, which has targeted Elbit Systems facilities across the UK in recent years.

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