Seven Charged in Violent Protest at Elbit's UK Warehouse

Seven people appeared in a London court charged with violent disorder, burglary, and other offences related to an attack on a warehouse linked to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems UK. The incident caused around £1 million in damages, with charges also linked to terrorism. All seven were remanded in custody.

Seven individuals faced charges in a London courtroom on Tuesday, accused of violent disorder, burglary, and other offences stemming from an incident involving the protest group Palestine Action. The attack targeted a warehouse connected to Israeli defence company Elbit Systems UK.

The defendants, aged between 20 and 51, were implicated in criminal damage and aggravated burglary related to the August 6 event at Elbit's premises near Bristol. Prosecutors detailed how a repurposed prison van was used to break through fencing, leading to substantial damage within the warehouse.

Among the group, Samuel Corner, 22, faced additional grievous bodily harm charges for allegedly assaulting a police officer with a sledgehammer as well as two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. The total damage was estimated at around £1 million ($1.28 million). Prosecutor Laura Jeffrey noted the charges, while not explicitly for terrorism, had 'a terrorist connection.'

All seven were remanded in custody, awaiting their next appearance at the Old Bailey on September 13. No pleas have been entered. Palestine Action claims their direct actions are aimed at disrupting Elbit's operations, which they allege support violence in Gaza. Elbit did not comment on the incident.