Unusual Legal Move: UK Pro-Palestine Activists Face Potential Terrorism Sentencing for Bank Vandalism

Five Palestine Action activists in the UK are set to hear whether terrorism-linked offences could be included in their sentencing following a protest in northern England.

Brendon O’Hagan, 28, Amanda Kelly, 31, Hmeera Atiqnisar, 31, Mohammed Malik, 28, and Alma Yaniv, 70, were convicted of causing 212,000 pounds ($290,000) in damages during a direct action against a branch of Barclays Bank in the town of Burnley in Lancashire in August 2024. The activists were protesting the bank’s shareholdings in the Israeli defence company Elbit Systems.

On Friday, Preston Crown Court is expected to determine whether the five activists, who are scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, will face terrorism sentencing.

According to leading criminal lawyer Raj Chada, of the firm Hodge Jones & Allen, “terrorist connection” laws date back years, but only appear to have been applied recently and solely in Palestine Action cases. He noted that using the law in this manner is very unusual and appears aimed at targeting Palestine Action activists whose offences predate the banning of the group.

At the time of their verdicts, Palestine Action had not been proscribed as a terrorist group, and neither the defendants nor the jury were aware that terrorism charges might be involved. However, following the verdicts, trial judge Philip Parry notified the legal team of his intention to consider whether the offence carried a “terrorist connection”.

Supporters have also raised questions about Robert Altham, the judge who will decide on adding a “terrorist connection” to the criminal damage convictions, noting his previous sentencing of environmental protesters in September 2018 was found by the court of appeal to be manifestly excessive.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori called Altham’s involvement shocking. According to Defend Our Juries, more than 3,500 people have been arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action after its proscription by lawmakers in July 2025.

On Friday, supporters plan to gather outside Preston Crown Court to show solidarity with the 'Barclays 5' as the court considers the terrorism-linked sentencing.