Five more Filton arrests timed to disrupt Palestine Action’s judicial review

London – UK counter-terrorism police on Tuesday raided the homes of five additional individuals in connection to the Filton 18 case, bringing the total number of arrests since August 2024 to 26. These arrests relate to direct action targeting an Elbit Systems factory, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.

The Filton 18 case gained prominence as it marked the first time Palestine Action activists were arrested under terrorism powers for allegedly disrupting the supply chain of arms used in the live-streamed genocide in Gaza. Four UN special rapporteurs wrote to the UK government at the time, raising concerns about the use of counter-terrorism measures and stating their detention may amount to “enforced disappearance”.

All members of the Filton 18 have pleaded not guilty and have faced hostile and unfair treatment while in custody. They have already spent between 8 and 11 months on remand, with trials not due to begin until November 2025 and the final trial scheduled for June 2026 - nearly a year and a half after the initial arrests.

Naila Ahmed, CAGE International’s Head of Campaigns, said:

“The case of the Filton 18 was subject to many exaggerated claims by counter terrorism police, laying the ground for the use of terrorism powers and the eventual proscription of Palestine Action. It is questionable whether the individuals will ever receive a fair trial as a result.”

“The timing of these arrests is highly suspect, and potentially designed to derail and disrupt the case by Huda Ammori, who co-founded Palestine Action, seeking permission for a judicial review of the proscription decision on 21 July 2025.”