Four pro-Palestinian activists have been sentenced to several years in prison for a 2024 raid on an Elbit Systems UK factory in Bristol, which caused over $1 million in damages. The judge determined the incident had a “terrorism connection,” leading to harsher sentences, with one activist receiving seven years and eight months for criminal damage and grievous bodily harm. The activists, members of the now-banned Palestine Action, claimed they aimed to disrupt drone and weapon manufacturing they believed would be used to harm civilians. The sentencing follows a retrial after an initial jury could not reach verdicts on all charges.
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In Pardubice, Czech Republic, activists claiming to be the “Earthquake Faction” set fire to a facility they allege is a joint venture between Israeli firm Elbit Systems and Czech company LPP Holdings. This center, intended for the development of unmanned aircraft systems, was targeted due to its perceived role in supplying weaponry used in conflicts across West Asia. The activists stated that their actions caused no harm and emphasized their resolve to disrupt the production of means to kill, citing ongoing violence in Palestine. Police are investigating the incident, with local reports confirming no injuries.
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On June 26th, approximately 150 pro-Palestinian activists breached a storage facility belonging to OIP Land Systems, a manufacturer of military equipment for Ukraine, causing significant damage. The activists, part of the Stop Arming Israel campaign, targeted the facility believing its equipment was intended for Israel, despite the CEO’s claim that the company has not produced defense systems for Israel in over two decades. Equipped with tools, the protesters vandalized vehicles and offices, resulting in an estimated $1.1 million in damages and delaying a crucial delivery for Ukraine by at least a month. The protest was motivated by Elbit Systems’ ownership of OIP Land Systems, an Israeli defense company, which protesters believe supplies a significant portion of equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.
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John Q. Hosedrinker