Palestine Action Barclays five avoid terror sentencing
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一句话看懂
Five Palestine Action activists who vandalised a Barclays branch in Burnley will not be sentenced as terrorists, a judge ruled. The ruling spares them terror sentencing but they still face.
背景
The five activists, dubbed the 'Barclays five', were convicted in June of causing over £200,000 damage to a Barclays branch in Burnley in August 2024, in protest at the bank's shareholdings in Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. After conviction, the judge indicated he would consider a 'terrorist connection' to the offending, a move that drew criticism from supporters who argued the defendants and jury were unaware of this possibility during trial.
来龙去脉
- Aug 2024Five activists broke windows and threw red paint at a Barclays branch in Burnley, causing over £200,000 damage, in protest at the bank's ties to Elbit Systems.
- Jun 2026The five were found guilty of criminal damage causing damage exceeding £200,000. Judge Philip Parry then indicated he would consider a 'terrorist connection' to the offending.
- Aug 21, 2026At Preston Crown Court, the judge ruled the attack will not be treated as terrorism for sentencing. The five smiled with relief and were hugged by supporters. Sentencing is set for September 4.
各方怎么说
- Defendants
- The five said they are 'extremely relieved' the court decided not to sentence them as terrorists, adding that this 'should never have been an option' as they were on trial for criminal damage.
- Supporters
- Defend our Juries said the move to consider terror sentencing was despite the defendants and jury being unaware of the possibility, and argued 'seeking to prevent the loss of life is not terrorism'.
- Judge
- Judge Philip Parry ruled the attack will not be treated as terrorism for sentencing, but the five still face sentencing for criminal damage on September 4.
待核实
The exact amount of damage varies slightly across reports (£200,000 vs £212,800). The defendants' claim that they did not realise their cases could be considered terrorism until after conviction is their statement, not independently verified.