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.
Britain is using powerful legal tools against activists protesting Israel's actions in Gaza, while support for those actions remains politically protected. The Filton 4 case highlights a contradiction where opposition to Israel's conduct is framed as extremism and terrorism, raising concerns about democratic dissent and public discourse.
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...
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...
Activists found guilty over break-in at Israeli defence firm’s UK site after jury deliberated for more than 14 hoursFour out of six Palestine Action activists who stood trial over a break-in at an Israeli defence firm’s UK site have been convicted of criminal damage.Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, and Fatema Rajwani, 21 were all found guilty on Tuesday of smashing up property, including drones, manufactured by Elbit Systems and computers at its factory in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August 2024. Continue reading...
Samuel Corner, 23, is on trial at Woolwich Crown Court accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sgt Kate Evans during a Palestine Action protest at the Elbit Systems arms factory in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August 2024. Corner claims he struck the officer with a sledgehammer to protect a co-defendant he believed was being seriously hurt by security guards. He says he was panicked after being sprayed with Pava spray and heard screaming. The officer's spine was fractured. Corner, who is autistic and a former University of Oxford student, denies all charges alongside five co-defendants.
