Five defendants are on trial for their alleged involvement in a break-in at an Israel-linked arms factory in Filton, near Bristol. The activists, part of Palestine Action, reportedly used whips, hammers, and kebab skewers to intimidate security guards during the incident that occurred in the early hours of August 6, 2024.
The Allegations
The five accused—Qesser Zuhrah (21), Zahra Farooque (26), Kamran Ahmed (29), Heba Muraisi (31), and Liam Mullany (34)—are charged with criminal damage and violent disorder. Prosecutors allege they formed a "black team" wearing black jumpsuits, whose role was to overwhelm security personnel, allowing a "red team" in red jumpsuits to break into the factory and vandalize equipment, including drones.
During the trial at Woolwich Crown Court, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC presented evidence of a plan discovered by police, which stated:
“"Shut Elbit Down. This is our primary objective as Palestine Action. We can do that by sticking together and ensuring its destruction with our brains and muscle."
