🚨 In more than 25 years of working on terrorism cases, I never thought I would see terrorism legislation used in a way that blurs the line between genuine national security concerns and the policing of political expression and protest.
The sentencing of the Filton 4 raises profound questions about the direction of our justice system. Counter-terrorism laws exist to protect the public from serious threats, not to chill political dissent, including direct action protest.
If we are not careful, we risk setting a dangerous precedent, one that many will view as driven not by principle, but by a desire to shield Israel from criticism.
I strongly oppose what happened in this case today.
🚨BREAKING: Filton 4 sentenced as terrorists
Amnesty opposes the use of terrorism powers in this case.
It is completely disproportionate to punish protesters for criminal damage as if they were terrorists, a sentence which stays with you for life.
The defendants in today’s case were sentenced as terrorists because prosecutors want to make an example of them.
Today's decision shows how direct action protesters could be treated in the future.
The use of terrorism laws against direct action protesters must end.
Together we must continue calling out the abuse of power and fighting for our right to protest.
Read our position:
Criminal Damage, Direct Action, Terrorism: Misuse of counter-terrorism powers in the UK:
amn.st/6015B87ZCx