In August 2024, dozens of activists stormed the UK-based factory belonging to Elbit Systems, the largest Israeli weapons manufacturer, causing an estimated 1 million pounds worth of damage and resulting in major disruption to the workings of some of the most sensitive elements of the factory for many months afterwards.
Those activists were arrested under draconian UK anti-terrorism laws and were held in jail for over a year and a half before they finally faced trial last month at Woolwich Crown Court.
The first six of those activists dubbed the Filton 24 were in court on Wednesday as the jury returned after weeks of deliberation, and found them all not guilty or refused to convict them on every single charge that the British state brought against them.
One activist remains imprisoned on bail, but the other five walked free today amid scenes of jubilation as supporters gathered outside to welcome them home.
The mother of one of the jailed activists expressed her relief and appreciation for all the support for her daughter, Fatima Zainab, who is now home after 18 months of repressive conditions in prison.
Alhamdulillah, I'm really, really happy today; we didn't get acquitted on all charges, but, Alhamdulillah, she got acquitted of aggravated burglary and violent disorder and a hung jury on criminal damage.
Alhamdulillah, it's a monumental victory for all of us, for the movement, for everyone. And I'm just so grateful for all the love and support, there's still people standing outside there.
We can hear the drums and the chants, and it's just so heartwarming. Alhamdulillah, it's amazing.
Sukaina Rajwani, Mother of Fatema Zainab
The Fulton 24 took part in direct action as part of the Palestine Action group before the British regime outlawed them as a prescribed terrorist organization, a decision that is itself now subject to legal reviews.
Those legal challenges, as well as these verdicts, will only boost the morale of those determined to drive Israeli weapons firms like Elbit Systems out of the UK.
The tactic has been to scare people off doing it. I think seeing them walk free and seeing the Triumph now will remind people as well that sticking with your integrity is always, always worth it.
And I'll just reiterate that by saying, yeah, five are walking out today, one remains inside, but as he was walked out that courtroom, he raised his fist too, and smiled.
And so I think that says enough of the spirit we need to be moving through this moment with.
Demonstrator 01
The verdicts represent a huge victory for the direct action campaign against the Israeli war machine, and raises hopes that the other 18 jailed activists will also soon be freed after a year and a half of being in jail without conviction.
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