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FIVE Palestine Action activists were acquitted at Sevenoaks magisrates’ court today over actions to halt the production of Israeli weapons in Kent.
In April last year, activists secured themselves to lock-on devices to prevent entry to Instro’s Discovery Park, owned by Israel’s largest weapons firm Elbit Systems, halting operations at the premises.
The activists were charged with “locking on” or “being equipped for locking on” — new offences under the Public Order Act 2023.
Palestine Action says that, during proceedings, inconsistencies between police witness statements and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) evidence led to calls for dismissal of charges.
On the second day of trial, the CPS informed the court that they would offer no evidence, leading the five activists to be acquitted of all charges.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said: “Whether these activists were acquitted or convicted, they should be proud to know that they had taken material action against complicity in Israel's war crimes.
“Despite Elbit’s attempts to collude with the police, CPS and Home Office on prosecuting and repressing the anti-genocide movement, the cops’ mistruths have undone their case.”
