Criminal Damage, Direct Action, Terrorism: Misuse of counter-terrorism powers in the UK
Overview
On Friday 12th June 2026 four activists connected with Palestine Action are due to be sentenced, following convictions for criminal damage arising out of their involvement in direct action at the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol. One will also be sentenced for GBH without intent.
There is a significant possibility that the sentencing judge may make a finding that these convictions possessed a 'terrorist connection', within the meaning of Section 69 of the Sentencing Act 2020.
This paper expresses Amnesty International's strong opposition to the misuse of counter-terrorism powers in this way. It shows that applying counter-terrorism frameworks to criminal damage committed during conscientious direct action would be grossly disproportionate, with stark implications for the future exercise of human rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression.
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Submission: Joint intervention to the Court of Appeal on Palestine ActionThis document presents written legal submissions from Amnesty International UK and Liberty, arguing that the proscription of Palestine Action under counter-terrorism laws is disproportionate and violates human rights protections.
Submission 27 Apr 2026 -
Submission: Judicial Review of Palestine Action ProscriptionWritten submission on behalf of Amnesty International UK and Liberty in the Judicial Review of the proscription of Palestine Action.
Submission 17 Feb 2026 -
Open Letter to Members of the House of Commons and Peers of the House of Lords regarding Palestine ActionOpen Letter to Members of the House of Commons and Peers of the House of Lords regarding Palestine Action. Amnesty is gravely concerned about the harmful implications that proscribing Palestine Action could have for the free speech rights of the wider…
Submission 01 Jul 2025
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