A UK judge jailed four Palestine Action activists for breaking into an Israeli defence firm, causing £1.0 million in damage. The judge ruled the raid was a 'terrorist act'. The activists damaged equipment, clashed with security and police, and one hit a police officer with a sledgehammer, leaving her with a fractured spine.
The group aimed to 'dismantle drones and weaponry' they believed would be used to kill people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Judge Jeremy Johnson jailed one activist for seven years and eight months, while others received prison terms ranging from four to five years.
About 500 protesters gathered outside the court in support of the activists, leading to the arrests of 72 people. The ruling comes ahead of the High Court's decision on the government's appeal against the lifting of the Home Office ban on Palestine Action.
