UK Palestine activists face potential terrorism charges in unprecedented legal action.
As the debate surrounding protest rights intensifies globally, a significant legal case is unfolding in the United Kingdom that could set a dangerous precedent regarding direct action movements. The upcoming sentencing of five activists from Palestine Action, accused of damaging a Barclays bank in protest of the company’s ties to the Israeli defense sector, has raised critical questions about the application of terrorism-related laws in England, coinciding with an ongoing narrative of activism and civil rights. This case serves not only to highlight the challenges faced by those who demand accountability and justice but also reflects broader social sentiments regarding the right to protest.
In Preston, United Kingdom, five activists from Palestine Action are awaiting a crucial decision that may determine whether their recent convictions will carry terrorism-related penalties. Brendon O’Hagan, Amanda Kelly, Hmeera Atiqnisar, Mohammed Malik, and Alma Yaniv were found guilty of causing significant property damage—amounting to £212,000 (approximately 0,000)—during a protest against a Barclays Bank branch in Burnley, Lancashire, in August 2024. Their actions were motivated by the bank’s financial investments in Elbit Systems, a company involved in defense technologies used against the Palestinian people.
Set to be sentenced on September 4, the activists’ case has taken a notable turn as the Preston Crown Court prepares to decide if the charges against them can be related to terrorism. Legal expert Raj Chada, representing Palestine Action activists, indicated that the historical application of “terrorist connection” laws has been rare and appears targeted against this specific group. He noted that the environmental and political law frameworks have previously been misapplied, particularly since the group was not designated as a terrorist organization at the time of their protests.
Remarkably, at the time of their verdicts, the jury and the defendants were uninformed of the potential for terrorism-related sentencing, a development that raises concerns about judicial transparency and fairness. Following their verdicts, trial judge Philip Parry indicated that he would consider the potential for a “terrorist connection” in light of precedent set by similar cases against Palestine Action activists, which have been brought under scrutiny for their application of the law.
Supporters of the activists have expressed their unease regarding the involvement of Judge Robert Altham, known for a previous excessive ruling against environmental protesters. Activists from groups such as Defend Our Juries have pointed to troubling statistics, showing that over 3,500 people, many aged 60 and above, have been arrested for supporting Palestine Action after the organization was banned in 2025, equating it with extremist entities like al-Qaeda and ISIL.
As the court date approaches, peaceful protests are expected to occur outside Preston Crown Court, where supporters will express solidarity with the “Barclays 5.” Activists argue that dissent against perceived injustices, such as genocide, should not be equated with terrorism. This pivotal moment in the UK legal landscape could have lasting implications for the right to protest, signaling a crossroads between civil liberties and governmental oversight.
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