🕒 Created

Judge Rules Five Palestine Action Activists Will Not Be Sentenced as Terrorists for Barclays Bank Vandalism

A judge has ruled that five Palestine Action activists will not be sentenced under terrorism laws for causing damage worth over £200,000 to a Barclays bank branch in Burnley. The defendants, Brendon O’Hagan, Amanda Kelly, Hmeera Atiqnisar, Mohammed Malik, and Alma Yaniv, were convicted in June for breaking windows and spraying paint on the site in August 2024. The group targeted the bank due to its shareholdings in the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. Judge Robert Altham ruled that while the damage was substantial, it did not meet the high threshold for a terrorist sentencing because the property was not as sensitive as an other arms company. The activists expressed relief, noting they were unaware of the potential terrorism charges until after the verdict. Legal experts and rights groups have criticized the use of sweeping counter-terror powers against direct action protesters. Amnesty International UK head Kerry Moscogiuri called for the government to lift the proscription of Palestine Action and end the misuse of terrorism powers against protesters.

Sources