The prosecution of leading human rights barrister Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court, stemming from his closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, has caused significant concern and fear among lawyers, according to the Criminal Bar Association chair. Senior legal figures have criticized the move, believed to be the first such prosecution.
Four Palestine Action activists have been sentenced to lengthy custodial terms for damaging drones and equipment at an Elbit Systems UK factory. A judge ruled there was a "terrorist connection" to the offences, citing the planned nature of the attack and its aim to intimidate the government and public for political causes. The damage caused was estimated at £1.2m.
Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching judge’s directions with his closing speech at trial of six activistsA leading human rights barrister has won an appeal against his referral for contempt of court over his closing speech during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching the judge’s directions in the trial of six people for a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
Jordan Devlin, who was acquitted at trial where four co-defendants were convicted, says he was saving livesA Palestine Action activist who was acquitted over a protest at an Israeli arms manufacturer’s UK site has said he and his five co-defendants “did the right thing”.Four of those who stood trial with Jordan Devlin were convicted of criminal damage in relation to the direct action protest at the Elbit Systems UK site near Bristol on 6 August 2024 but he said they were acting to save Palestinian lives. Continue reading...
Rajiv Menon KC accused of defying judge’s orders to not inform jury of right to acquit on basis of conscienceA leading human rights barrister is facing contempt of court proceedings after he was accused of defying a judge’s orders during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC is accused of breaching the judge’s directions while giving his closing speech in the trial of six people in relation to a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
