Dear supporters of Filton18

On Friday, 17th January, 18 Palestine Action political prisoners - the Filton18 had a plea hearing at Old Bailey. The love, support, and mobilisation for them outside Old Bailey was overwhelming and uplifting.

At this pre-trial hearing, Fatema Zainab, Zoe and 16 others appeared via video link and 10 of them entered their pleas - "not guilty" to all charges. With 3 trials set to begin in November 2025, where we hope a jury will hear the full story of why they allegedly took action against an Israeli arms factory during a genocide.

Custody time limits expire for the initial 10, on 11th February 2025, these were extended by the judge to 4th April 2025. There will be a crucial hearing in March on whether the Filton18 case has a "terror connection" or not.

In a turn of events this week, 4 UN rapporteurs published their correspondence with the British government, a strong and damning critique of the use of counter terrorism legislation against the Filton18. 

You can read more here:
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-experts-intervene-filton-18-palestine-action-case

https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2025/01/27/palestine-action-filton-un-intervenes

Please share Filton18's petition (https://chng.it/YbKkCBRtcF) and their story, and help us put pressure on those trying to shut down pro- Palestine voices and persecute people of conscience trying to stop a genocide.

With solidarity - from the family and friends of Filton18