Four pro-Palestinian activists are set to stand trial in January 2027 for allegedly breaking into a British military airbase and vandalizing aircraft in protest against the UK’s support for Israel. The case, linked to campaign group Palestine Action, involves a June 2024 incident at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire that resulted in an estimated £7 million in damage.
The accused — Lewie Chiaramello (22), Jony Cink (24), Amy Gardiner-Gibson (29), and Daniel Jeronymides-Norie (36) — appeared at the Old Bailey court in London on Friday for a preliminary hearing. They face charges of conspiracy to enter a prohibited place with intent prejudicial to UK interests and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. No pleas were entered during the hearing.
RAF Aircraft Targeted in Protest Against UK-Israel Ties
Prosecutors allege that the four activists infiltrated the Royal Air Force base on June 20, 2024, and sprayed red paint over two RAF Voyager aircraft used for refueling and transport missions. The action was claimed by Palestine Action, a group known for direct-action protests against British complicity in Israeli military operations.
According to UK police, the damage inflicted during the protest is valued at £7 million ($9.4 million), marking one of the most high-profile sabotage incidents at a UK military site in recent years.
Palestine Action Faces Terrorism Proscription
Earlier this month, British lawmakers voted to classify Palestine Action as a proscribed organization under the UK’s counter-terrorism laws. The decision, which effectively labels the group’s activities as criminal, has been strongly condemned by its members, who call the ban “authoritarian” and politically motivated.
A legal challenge to the ban is scheduled to be heard at the High Court in London on Monday, where the group will argue that its protests are a form of legitimate civil disobedience.
The 2027 trial is expected to draw significant attention due to the political sensitivities surrounding the UK’s relationship with Israel, the use of military bases for international operations, and the broader crackdown on protest movements.
