The six activists were released on bail under strict conditions this afternoon 

Prosecutors are seeking up to nine years in prison for each defendant 

‘The use of courts and prisons to punish peaceful protesters under terrorism laws is a blatant violation of the UK’s obligations under international human rights laws’ – Kerry Moscoguiri 

Amnesty International UK has responded with concern as six Defend Our Juries spokespeople were released on bail under strict conditions in Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. 

The activists were subjected to dawn raids by anti-terrorism officers earlier this week and were charged under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on Wednesday. They are accused of organising and speaking on Zoom calls in which Defend Our Juries briefed activists attending peaceful protests where they would hold signs reading ‘I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action’. Some of them face up to 11 separate charges.  

Amnesty International deployed trial monitors to observe today’s hearings.  

Kerry Moscogiuri, Director of Campaigns and Communications at Amnesty International UK, said: 

“It is absolutely horrifying that these peaceful activists are being hauled through the legal system and threatened with severe punishment.  

“Charging people with terrorism offences for holding Zoom calls to organise peaceful demonstrations is as dangerous as it is absurd.  

“The fact that prosecutors have stated they will seek prison sentences of six to nine years is utterly chilling.  

“The use of courts and prisons to punish peaceful protesters under terrorism laws is a blatant violation of the UK’s obligations under international human rights laws.  

“The activists released on bail under strict conditions today should never have been charged. These charges must be dropped.”