I spent all day in Woolwich Crown Court yesterday for the Filton activists' sentencing hearing with my colleague @daniaakkad. The court heard that the Terrorism Act was never intended to cover direct action protest. It heard that all of the defendants had been cleared of violent intent and sentencing them as terrorists would mark a historic first for charges of criminal damage. It heard that the Suffragettes, who did "a bit of smashing themselves", would have been labelled as terrorists but have now been vindicated by history. It heard the activists' goal was to stop the supply chain of drones and weaponry to Israel as it commits genocide in Gaza. It heard that attaching a terrorism connection to a case without it ever being heard by a jury was unconstitutional and posed a threat to the criminal justice system itself. It heard that the "terrorism connection" has been disproportionately used against minority groups and those advocating for them while not being used for neo-Nazis and white supremacists, including the man who killed Jo Cox MP. It heard that the law has been reinterpreted since the action took place, meaning the activists could have had no idea that what they did could have been caught up in terrorism laws at the time of the protest. It heard that the prosecution submitted key evidence just eight days before the hearing, giving the defence no time to review it or even discuss it with their clients. Despite all of this, Judge Jeremy Johnson, who has already tried to refer the defence's lead barrister for contempt of court and been forced to apologise for it, sentenced the defendants as terrorists. The judgment was handed down within minutes, indicating Judge Johnson had already made his mind up before the hearing had begun. Being in court yesterday felt akin to witnessing a colonial crime: punishing activists with terrorism offences in order to set a precedent that taking direct action to stop a UK-backed genocide will not be tolerated.

According to local reports, an Israeli quadcopter drone was broadcasting the sounds of crying children around the southern Lebanese town of Haboush moments ago

BREAKING: ISRAEL just BOMBED Gaza on the FIRST DAY of Eid. At least 7 Palestinians killed including children in Gaza City from this strike.

"The promise of freedom and survival is a mirage which always disappears when I reach for it." Honour to publish this heartrending piece by @AbubakerAbedW on the pain of life outside Gaza He is one of the finest writers of his generation. Read it all👇 palestinedeepdive.com/p/surv…

I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated. We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support. We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved.

🚨The British government must secure the release of 14 British citizens kidnapped by Israeli Occupation Forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including rights activist Cerie Bullivant.

Footage of a Muslim officer being abused at a protest was widely shared this weekend.   It happened a few weeks ago and we won’t be resharing the video, but yesterday we saw more of the same.   Nobody should have to put up with abuse at work and that includes police officers. 
Arrests were made in all these incidents and we'll be pushing for charges in every case.