Four pro-Palestinian activists face 2027 trial over UK military base break-in

Palestine Action activist approaches military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton to damage it

FILE PHOTO: One of two activists from Palestine Action approaches a military aircraft on an e-scooter at RAF Brize Norton, to damage it with red paint and crowbars, in Carterton, Britain, June 20, 2025, in this still image obtained from handout video. The group's action was in protest of British military assistance to Israel, claiming that they, "interrupted Britain's direct participation in the commission of genocide and war crimes across the Middle East", stating on their website. Palestine Action/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Source: Handout

Four pro-Palestinian activists will stand trial in 2027 charged with breaking into a British military air base and damaging two planes in protest against Britain's support for Israel.

The four are accused of breaking into a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire in central England on June 20 and spraying red paint over two Voyager aircraft used for refuelling and transport. Campaign group Palestine Action said it was behind the incident.

Lewie Chiaramello, 22, Jony Cink, 24, Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, and Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, appeared for a hearing at London's Old Bailey court on Friday ahead of a trial due to start in January 2027.

They are charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the interests or safety of the UK and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. None of the defendants were asked to enter a plea at Friday's brief hearing.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Presidente Lula (PT) durante assinatura de sanção de lei

Brazil Roundup: Lula gains an election edge, judicial scrutiny intensifies, ports expose a growth bottleneck

Police previously said the action had caused 7 million pounds ($9.4 million) worth of damage to two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

British lawmakers voted to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation earlier this month. The group has condemned the decision as "authoritarian" and a challenge to the ban will be heard at London's High Court on Monday.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters