Lawyers on six continents say they are ‘alarmed’ at use of terror laws in Bristol caseA picture released by Palestine Action following the arrest and charge of six people in connection with a raid on Israeli defence technology firm Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol on August 6. Palestine Action described the six as 'the Filton 6'. Since then, four more people have been charged with offences in connection with the attack.A picture released by Palestine Action following the arrest and charge of six people in connection with a raid on Israeli defence technology firm Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol on August 6. Palestine Action described the six as ‘the Filton 6’. Since then, four more people have been charged with offences in connection with the attack.(Image: Palestine Action)

More than 20 international legal organisations have signed an open letter to the British Government condemning the use of counter-terrorism laws against 18 people currently charged with smashing up a Bristol company.

The ‘ Filton 18’ are currently detained on remand awaiting their next court appearance charged with a variety of offences following the attack on the Bristol premises of Elbit Systems, in Filton last year.

The alleged offences include criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary using a sledgehammer, in relation to the incident at Elbit Systems in north Bristol in the early hours of August 6, 2024. A trial date has been set for November.

The 18 are part of a group called Palestine Action, which has repeatedly targeted Elbit, which is an Israeli-owned defence and arms firm. Elbit Systems has denied its site in Filton makes weapons or military technology for Israel.

Those arrested and detained in connection with the August 2024 incident have been dealt with using counter-terrorism laws, which their supporters say has curtailed their rights.

Earlier this year, the UN Special Rapporteur wrote to the British Government saying it was not acceptable for 18 to be treated like this as their campaign is not a terrorist one.

Now, international legal organisations from six continents have written an open letter to the Government condemning what they described as a ‘mis-use’ of terror laws.

The signatories include the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights, and the US-based National Lawyers Guild International.

The letter stated: “The national and international legal and human rights community is alarmed by credible reports of serious violations of fair trial rights and other human rights of Palestine Action activists in the ongoing ‘Filton 18’ case.

READ MORE: Watch the disturbing moment protesters attack Bristol warehouse with sledgehammerREAD MORE: Bristol defence firm responds after brutal ram raid

“The Filton 18 case is a litmus test for democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in the United Kingdom,” the letter added.

The letter also points to the UN Special Rapporteur’s warning that the procedural rights of activists are being denied and they may not get a fair trial as a result.

The Filton 18’s prosecutions are expected to be split into three different trials, and their next court appearance will be at Kingston Crown Court on June 30 and July 1.

The UK Government has not yet responded to the international lawyers’ letter, but when similar points were made by the United Nations, the Home Office rejected the call.

“The CPS has decided that there is sufficient evidence to submit to the court that these offences have a terrorism connection,” a spokesperson said.

“Those who are the subject of the letter have been charged with several substantive offences: criminal damage, violent disorder, aggravated burglary, grievous bodily harm with intent, and actual bodily harm,” the spokesperson added.

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