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Palestine Action Activists Could Be Sentenced Under Terrorism Laws. Five Palestine Action activists could be sentenced under UK terrorism legislation after being convicted of damaging a Barclays branch in Burnley during a 2024 protest. The group was found guilty of causing £212,000 worth of damage after smashing windows and throwing red paint at the bank over its links to Israeli defence company Elbit Systems. The trial judge is considering whether the offences had a "terrorist connection", despite the issue not being raised before or during the trial. Prosecutors argue the activists' own evidence showed the protest formed part of a wider Palestine Action campaign against Barclays. The defendants deny they should be treated as terrorists, saying the move sets a dangerous precedent for political protest. Human rights groups and some politicians have criticised the possible use of terrorism laws, arguing they risk criminalising legitimate protest. The case follows a similar ruling against four Palestine Action activists convicted over damage at an Elbit Systems factory. If a terrorist connection is confirmed, the activists could face longer prison terms and additional post-release monitoring.
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