Criminal Damage, Direct Action, Terrorism: misuse of counter-terrorism powers in the UK

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.

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.