Trial 2 of the Filton25 started on Monday 15 June 2026, at the Old Bailey.
Why does this case matter?
The Filton25 case has been an important test for British democracy, to see how far the government, lobby groups, CPS, and the judiciary will go; rolling out a novel use of terrorism legislation against protesters,in order to protect Israelimilitary business in Britain, over and above the civil liberties of its own citizens. Most specifically, to protect the business of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.
What has happened so far?
The Filton25 were arrested by gangs of counter terrorism police, treated as terrorists in custody, spent up to 18 months in prison without trial, were not charged for terrorism, and were not convicted of terrorism.
A mountain of political interference in the case was presented during Trial 1, only to be ignored. The judge has since been promoted.
In Trial 1 defendants were not allowed to tell a jury why they took action, who Elbit Systems are, and how their weapons are used to murder Palestinians and participate in genocide and war crimes. They were not allowed to say how their actions were motivated to save lives.
The 4 defendants who have been found guilty for criminal damage (Lottie, Ellie, Sam and Fatema Zainab) were sentenced as terrorists by a judge who has manipulated the entire trial process in a stitch-up to appease the British-Zionist arms trade. They were sentenced on 12 June 2026 at Woolwich Crown Court.
Trial 2
The state are treating this trial not 8 ordinary people facing ordinary charges, but as an opportunity to put Palestine Action on trial (again) – pinning them as the masterminds of the action. They have all spent up to 18 months in prison on remand.
The 8 on trial in trial 2:
- Aleksandra (Ola) Herbich
- Madeline Norman
- Hannah Davidson
- Teuta Hoxha
- Sean Middlebrough
- Ian Saunders
- Yulia Brigidirova
- William Plastow
You can read more about each of them at our About the Filton25 page here.
What can you do?
- Mobilise! The trial is expected to run for approximatelv 6-8 weeks. Show support for the next 8 defendants facing trial by making your voices heard outside the court (the Old Bailey).
- Amplify! Raise the Filton25’s voices and keep up to date. Follow like and share these accounts @freethefilton25 @da3m.support
- Donate! Support the fundraiser that provides financial support for the prisoners/defendants and their loved ones from as well as supporting the ongoing campaign for their freedom. Donate here.