Court ruling spares activists from terror sentencing
On Friday, Judge Robert Altham at Preston Crown Court decided that the destruction of property by Palestine Action members at a Barclays branch in Burnley did not qualify as terrorism under Section 69 of the Sentencing Act. Despite the substantial damage, the judge deemed it insufficient to warrant a terrorism charge, unlike previous cases involving more extensive damage or sensitive targets like arms manufacturers.[S1][S2][S3]
Five Palestine Action activists, including Brendon O’Hagan (28), Amanda Kelly (31), Hmeera Atiqnisar (31), Mohammed Malik (28), and Alma Yaniv (70), were found guilty in June of vandalizing a Barclays bank branch, causing £212,000 ($290,000) in damage. They shattered windows and splattered red paint in protest against the bank's investment in Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms producer. This act of destruction was valued at a significant sum, reflecting the extent of the damage inflicted during the protest.[S1][S2][S3]
Activists and supporters react with relief
The Barclays Five, a group of Palestine Action activists, celebrated a significant legal victory as the judge's decision was revealed. Their supporters outside the courthouse erupted with cheers and pro-Palestine slogans. In a joint statement, the activists expressed their relief, stating that the court's decision to reject terrorism charges was a sensible one, and they criticized the state for trying to equate property damage with terrorism.[S1][S2][S4]
Dove Malik, Mohammed Malik's mother, expressed her joy to Al Jazeera, stating that the court's decision was a triumph for their cause, for Palestine, and for the right to protest. She firmly believes they are on the correct side of history. The five activists are scheduled to receive their sentences on September 4 for property destruction, but the ruling ensures they will spend less time in prison.[S1][S2]
Concerns over counter-terror powers
Civil liberties advocates are worried about the application of counter-terrorism legislation to direct action protesters, as highlighted by this case. Palestine Action was only designated as a terrorist organization in July 2025, almost a year after the Burnley incident. Judge Philip Parry's post-verdict disclosure to the defense about a potential 'terrorist connection' is, according to rights organizations, an unprecedented action.[S1][S2][S3]
The rights organization Defend our Juries reports that over 3,500 individuals have been arrested for showing solidarity with Palestine Action, despite its prohibition. Amnesty International UK's leader, Kerry Moscogiuri, demanded the ban's removal and an end to the abuse of broad counter-terrorism powers against peaceful demonstrators.[S1][S2]
