Four pro-Palestine activists have been sentenced to lengthy custodial terms after a judge ruled that their actions at an Israeli arms manufacturer's UK factory had a 'terrorist connection'. The sentencing took place at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday.
Charlotte Head, 30, and Leona Kamio, 30, each received five years in prison; Fatema Rajwani, 21, was sentenced to four years and eight months; and Samuel Corner, 23, received seven years and eight months for criminal damage. Corner was also convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent for striking a police officer with a sledgehammer. All will serve at least two-thirds of their sentences and face 15 years of terrorist notification requirements.
Mr Justice Johnson found a 'terrorist connection' under section 69 of the Sentencing Act, stating the offences were 'designed to intimidate the UK government and a section of the public' and were for 'advancing a political or ideological cause'. The damage to Elbit Systems UK's Gloucestershire site amounted to £1.2 million, including to 41 military assets such as drones.
Defence lawyers argued the terrorist label was unprecedented for non-violent offences, with one barrister warning of 'chilling, creeping authoritarianism'. Another noted that the suffragettes and Greenham Common protesters could be deemed terrorists under such logic.
The police officer, Sgt Kate Evans, said the incident had a 'profound and long-lasting' impact on her life. Approximately 500 protesters gathered outside the court, some holding signs reading 'Saving lives is not terrorism'.
