UK judge rules Palestine Action activists will not face terrorism sentencing

A judge at Preston Crown Court has ruled that five Palestine Action activists will not be sentenced under terrorism laws following their convictions for criminal damage. The activists—Brendon O’Hagan, Amanda Kelly, Hmeera Atiqnisar, Mohammed Malik, and Alma Yaniv—were convicted in June for causing approximately £212,000 in damage to a Barclays bank branch in Burnley, Lancashire, in August 2024.

The protest targeted the bank due to its shareholdings in the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. The activists, who broke windows and sprayed red paint, expressed relief at the ruling, stating they were tried for criminal damage and were not informed during the trial that terrorism-related sentencing could be considered.

The decision follows a previous case where activists convicted of damage at an Elbit Systems site were sentenced under terrorism laws. The five individuals are scheduled to be sentenced on September 4.