Three Palestine Action activists appear at Bristol magistrates’ court today charged with aggravated trespass following an action last November.
On November 2, 2021, the actionists broke into the offices of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest privately-owned arms manufacturer, in Aztec West, Patchway, and occupied the roof.
Other activists remained on the ground firing red paint at the building from converted fire extinguishers.
Read more: Palestine Actionists bailed following Bristol action
The action resulted in the closure of the offices for the day before the activists were later removed by police.
Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign and anti-arms trade campaigners have gathered outside the courthouse since 9.30am on Monday (October 17) to support the three defendants.
Fahmy, a spokesperson for Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: ‘Elbit Systems’ operations in Bristol are integral to Israel’s systematic expropriation and oppression of the Palestinian people.
‘Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign stands in solidarity with all those in the UK, including Palestine Action, working through peaceful means to prevent Israeli abuses, and in support of Palestinian rights.’
Palestine Action’s stated aim is to end British complicity in Israeli war crimes. They say that Britain continues to support the Israeli regime today via the export of weapons made by Elbit Systems on British soil.
Elbit has eight factories and offices in the UK. A ninth, in Oldham, was sold in January after sustained pressure from activists.