The United Nations (UN) has formally expressed concerns to the UK government over the treatment of a group of Palestine Action protesters, who are currently being detained under anti-terrorism laws. The activists were arrested after allegedly storming the Elbit Systems UK facility near Bristol on August 6, using a vehicle to breach the doors of the defense contractor’s building.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, the detainees have been classified as high-security prisoners with “restricted status”, preventing them from accessing legal support, family visits, and medical care. The UN has questioned whether counter-terrorism measures have been improperly applied to suppress freedom of expression and protest rights.
UK Government Defends Terrorism Charges Against Protesters
The Home Office has defended the classification of the protesters’ actions as terrorism, stating:
“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has determined that there is sufficient evidence to submit to the court that these offenses have a terrorism connection.”
The 10 activists face multiple charges, including criminal damage, violent disorder, aggravated burglary, and grievous bodily harm with intent. Prosecutors allege that a decommissioned prison van was used in the raid, injuring two police officers and a security guard.
Elbit Systems Denies Supplying Weapons to Israel
The Palestine Action protesters targeted Elbit Systems UK, alleging that the company supplies weapons to Israel. However, Elbit Systems UK has repeatedly denied these claims, with a spokesperson stating:
“Any claims that this facility supplies the Israeli military or Israeli Ministry of Defence are categorically false.”
Prolonged Detention Sparks Allegations of Human Rights Violations
The UN claims the activists were initially held for 36 hours without access to lawyers or contact with their families. Following this period, they were further arrested under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and detained for an additional seven days at police stations in Hammersmith and Newbury.
The UN alleges that the delayed notification to families about the transfer amounts to “enforced disappearance”, a serious human rights violation. Additionally, the detainees have reportedly faced restrictions on religious practices, limited medical access, and monitored mail under national security regulations.
Legal Debate: Does Direct Action Constitute Terrorism?
The UN has raised concerns about the broad application of anti-terror laws, arguing that the protesters’ treatment may be “disproportionate and inconsistent” compared to others charged with similar offenses. The letter states:
“Treating direct action—albeit involving some violence—as ‘terrorism’ overstates the nature of the conduct and seriously risks chilling the exercise of freedom of expression.”
Despite these concerns, Counter Terrorism Policing South East, which is leading the investigation, maintains that the activists are being detained in full compliance with UK laws and procedures.
A provisional trial date has been set for November 17, where the legal battle over the classification of their actions as terrorism is expected to intensify.
