Pro-Palestine Activists Convicted for Factory Protest

0:00On March 4, three pro-Palestine activists have been found guilty of criminal damage after targeting a factory in Newcastle with alleged ties to Israel, Holly Mildenhall, 25, Georgia Koot, 28, and Summer Oxley, 29, face charges at the city's crown court for their actions. Back in February, the women staged an eight-hour standoff on the factory roof at Pearson Engineering while one dumped a rubble from a truck. They also sprayed red paint on the guardhouse and smashed parts of the company's sign, cutting through razor wire in the process. The activists argued their protest was justified to halt what they saw as weapons production, fueling violence in Gaza. They had first tried petitions and peaceful rallies, but felt those failed to spark change. Prosecutors called the extra damage unnecessary, saying a simple occupation would have disrupted operations enough. A company rep confirmed the site, owned by an Israeli defense firm, had sent no products to Israel. Jurors reached a unanimous verdict after just over two hours.

1:03The three, who wore traditional Kepheye scarves in court, along with supporters, were released on bail pending sentencing. This case highlights the ongoing tension between activism and legal boundaries in the conflict.