JUST HOURS AGO, a jury acquitted or refused to convict all six Filton 24 defendants of every charge they faced. After eight full days of deliberation, not a single conviction was returned. The most serious charge, aggravated burglary, which carries a potential life sentence, was unanimously rejected.
It exposes just how out of step this government is with the public. Its strategy of branding nonviolent activists as “terrorists” has abjectly failed. The jury was not convinced. The public are not convinced. And even the government’s own back benches are increasingly unconvinced.
These verdicts further undermine the government’s continued attempt to ban nonviolent activists. After months of ministerial briefings, inflammatory rhetoric, and the misuse of terrorism legislation, a jury that heard all the evidence refused to convict the defendants of a single offence.
The implications go even further.
At a time when the government is openly considering restricting the right to jury trials, this case shows exactly why juries matter.
Justice does not rely solely on the letter of the law. It relies on the collective moral judgment of twelve ordinary people, weighing evidence, context, and truth. In this case, that conscience was clear.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us in speaking out on this issue. Your solidarity, attention, and willingness to stand up for the rights of people taking nonviolent action matter more than ever. This result shows that public support, scrutiny, and collective resolve make a real difference.
But can you help us further with your name, CiP?
We need the government to lift their proscription of non-violent protest groups. We need to end the misuse of terrorism laws against nonviolent protesters.
Will you sign our petition to Government?
These verdicts strengthen the case to lifting the ban against peace protestors.
Let's protect our juries, lets protect our protestors.
Kind regards
Compassion in Politics