Our loved ones, the Filton 18, are people of conscience who are in prison being treated like terrorists. We cannot let this repression by government go unchallenged - who will be next? 

Take action this Thursday
Come to the Old Bailey for a protest outside the next Filton 18 hearing - 9.30am - 4.30pm, Thursday 27 March. 

If you can't do the whole day, 9.30am or 1pm are good times to come. This court hearing is the first opportunity for the Filton 18 to challenge the state's unprecedented claim that their actions amount to terrorism. We want to show up in large numbers to say: drop the 'terrorist connection' and free the Filton 18! 

A reminder of the story so far 

Six people were arrested last August inside an Elbit Systems facility in Filton, Bristol.

They had taken direct action with Palestine Action - breaking in and damaging killer quadcopter drones, very likely for use in Gaza. Elbit is Israel's biggest weapons manufacturer.

Why did they do it? They had been on countless marches and yet the government continued to arm Israel during a genocide.

They all decided that protest wasn't working and only direct action would make a difference. 

They knew what the risks were, but decided they would rather face prison than hear of another child being killed in Gaza, knowing they had done nothing to stop it.

The police reaction was BRUTAL. The six arrests were followed by 12 more, with counter-terrorist police carrying out violent raids on family homes.

10 were held for 6 days without charge in solitary, interrogated day & night.

They were then charged with non-terror offences, but continue to be treated like terror suspects. All were refused bail and are in prison waiting for trials up to 2 years after they were arrested.

We know that Keir Starmer has met with Elbit Systems' UK CEO. The treatment of the Filton 18 is clearly designed to intimidate Palestine Action, and protect the Israeli arms trade with the UK.

Please join us if you can - if not, keep sharing the petition - we are nearly at 50,000! 

With love & solidarity,

Family & friends of the Filton 18