The ruling marks the first time in UK legal history that protesters convicted of criminal damage face a 'terrorism connection' upon sentencing

A British judge has sentenced four Palestine Action protesters as terrorists, handing them custodial sentences ranging from four to eight years.

The unprecedented ruling came despite jurors convicting them of criminal charges not connected to terrorism during the prosecution.

On Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Jeremy Johnson, added a “terrorism connection” to their offences.

In a preliminary ruling in March 2025, Johnson found an “appearance” of a terrorism connection in the case, as he said the activists were attempting to influence the Israeli government by restricting their access to weapons. This information was withheld from the jury who convicted them.

  • qevlarr@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    13 hours ago

    I think it was pretty clear. Palestine Action are not terrorists, that’s the insane part

    Moreover, they tricked the jury. Instead of trying them for terrorism, they try them for a small offense and then turn it into terrorism without the jury having a say in it. It’s sneaky even if it’s technically allowed

    • ExLisper@lemmy.curiana.netEnglish
      21·
      11 hours ago

      Moreover, they tricked the jury. Instead of trying them for terrorism, they try them for a small offense

      Is this really that confusing? They were tried for criminal damage of property worth over $1m. That up to 10 years in prison. How is that a small offense?

      The “terrorist connection” aggravating factor doesn’t change the maximum sentence, it only changes the conditions of parole. Everything you said is simply wrong. This is pure misinformation. The charges were not turned into anything. They are not charged with or sentenced for terrorism. Even if the aggravating factor was revealed before the trial the jury would still just be considering if they committed criminal damage.

    • Alaknár@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      11·
      12 hours ago

      I think it was pretty clear. Palestine Action are not terrorists, that’s the insane part

      Weren’t they the guys who set fire to a couple of storage and production facilities that held equipment meant to be sent to Ukraine?