Prosecutors use terror powers against Palestine Action activists amidst Zionist interference

London - Today, 10 Palestine Action actionists known as the Instro10 were charged at Westminster Magistrates Court in relation to an action at Instro Precision, a weapons manufacturer, in June of last year, allegedly causing over £1 million in damages. 

The Instro10 have been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder. The Crown Prosecution Service has also alleged, for the second time in a Palestine Action case, there is a terrorism connection which will be explored only at the point of sentencing.

This highly politicised trial occurs just days after the Guardian revealed damning correspondence between the Attorney General’s office and the deputy Israeli ambassador, who provided the Israelis with contact information for the CPS and counter terrorism command. This revelation sparked demands for the case against Palestine activists to be dropped based on foreign interference amounting to an abuse of process. 

Both the charges and the terrorism connection the Instro10 are facing, have already been levelled against the Filton18 resulting in their continued pre-trial imprisonment for almost 9 months for 10 of them and 5 months for the remaining 8. The police operation against both the Instro10 and Filton18 is "operation recomply". 

In an attempt to justify the terrorism connection, the prosecution stated in open court today that the purpose of Palestine Action is to influence the UK government through cutting arms deals and stopping weapons companies that have links to Israel. Palestine Action take direct action as they believe it is futile to appeal to the government. 

UK terrorism legislation is alarmingly broad and has faced criticisms from the UN in recent months. However, the prosecution went further than the act itself and described Israel as an “international governmental organisation” and that Palestine Action was influencing Israel by depriving it of weapons to be used on the people of Gaza. 

Naila Ahmed, Head of Campaigns for CAGE International said:

“Given the damning evidence that’s come to light this week of the Zionist entity’s political and judicial meddling in the UK, all Palestine Action charging decisions must urgently be reviewed.”

“This case represents a further escalation in the state's repression of pro-Palestine activists, deepening the use of counter-terrorism powers to defend Israel’s live-streamed genocide of the people of Gaza.”