Journalists arrested during protest against Elbit Systems factory

Police in Leicester arrested at least five journalists under the Terrorism Act while they were reporting on a protest at a UAV Tactical Systems factory, which is owned by Elbit Systems. The detainees included two reporters from the Leicester Gazette and three freelance photojournalists. According to reports, the journalists were released after providing personal details to officers. Reporters Without Borders expressed deep concern regarding the incident, stating that journalists should not face the risk of arrest while performing their duties to inform the public.

In a separate legal proceeding at the Old Bailey, nine individuals are on trial for their alleged involvement in a raid on Instro Precision in Kent. The defendants, described as members or supporters of Palestine Action, are accused of burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder during a June 2024 incident. The group reportedly targeted the facility due to its association with the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. Court testimony included accounts from a security guard who described masked individuals using tools to breach fences and damaging a vehicle during the early morning raid.