https://socialistworker.co.uk/news/palestine-activist-jailed-in-unprecedented-sentencing/

The Palestine movement mobilised outside a south London court against a state-orchestrated attack on all our democratic rights.

Four members of the Filton 24 group of Palestine activists—Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head, Ellie Kamio and Fatema Zainab Rajwani—were sentenced as “terrorists” even though they were not tried or convicted under terror laws.

The four were sentenced with a “terrorism connection” by Justice Johnson, after a jury convicted them of criminal damage.

Justice Johnson said there was a “terrorism connection” as there was “serious property damage” to Israeli weapons and claimed the defendants did the action to influence the British government and intimidate Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.

Samuel Corner, who was convicted of criminal damage and Grievous Bodily Harm, was sentenced to eight years and eight months. Charlotte Head, who was convicted of criminal damage, was sentenced to six years. Leona Kamio, who was convicted of criminal damage, was sentenced to six years. Fatema Zainab Rajwani, who was convicted of criminal damage, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison.

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The jury was not informed that they could be sentenced as terrorists if they were found guilty of the charge of criminal damages.

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At around 1pm a long line of activists, some 200 people, held up cardboard signs which read, “Saving lives is not terrorism, I support Palestine Action.” It was as part of a peaceful protest organised by Defend Our Juries.

The police arrested pensioners, disabled people and activists for taking action against the weaponisation of anti-terrorism laws to shutdown Palestine solidarity.

One sign-holder told Socialist Worker before they were dragged away, “Everything’s been rigged to make sure they’re getting sentenced as terrorists.

“The jury didn’t know there was a terrorism connection. I’m here today because I am extremely concerned about where this is heading.

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https://socialistworker.co.uk/news/palestine-activist-jailed-in-unprecedented-sentencing/