News|Israel-Palestine conflict‘I was so isolated’: Pro-Palestine activist attempted suicide in UK prisonRecently bailed Palestine Action-linked activist Charlotte Head, 29, spent 18 months in pre-trial detention.
London, United Kingdom – Charlotte Head, formerly involved in supporting victims of domestic violence, became associated with the "Filton 24," a group of pro-Palestine activists alleged to have raided the Bristol branch of Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary…
London, United Kingdom – Charlotte Head, formerly involved in supporting victims of domestic violence, became associated with the "Filton 24," a group of pro-Palestine activists alleged to have raided the Bristol branch of Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, in August 2024.
In June 2025, the UK government classified Palestine Action, the group responsible for the incident, as a "terrorist" organization. This designation was made following additional actions by activists, including a break-in at an Oxfordshire airbase.
Head was among the first activists to be treated under this classification, which significantly impacted her treatment within the prison system. She experienced procedural challenges, such as difficulty arranging visits and restrictions on reading materials. These claims align with those of other activists, though the Ministry of Justice has denied such allegations.
After serving 18 months in pre-trial detention, Head was released on bail. During her imprisonment, she was transferred between facilities, which increased the distance from her family. In August 2025, she attempted suicide, citing feelings of powerlessness and misrepresentation in public narratives.
In June 2025, the UK government classified Palestine Action, the group responsible for the incident, as a "terrorist" organization.
Prison Conditions and Activist Response
In 2025, UK prisons reported 29 deaths officially described as "self-inflicted" and approximately 75,000 incidents of self-harm. Activists, including those affiliated with Palestine Action, have called for prison reform, highlighting issues such as mail and communication censorship.
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action aims to counter Israeli military actions and British involvement by targeting weapons manufacturers like Elbit Systems. The organization has denied supplying the Israeli military, despite accusations to the contrary.
The High Court recently ruled the Palestine Action ban unlawful, leading to the acquittal of "Filton 24" defendants on aggravated burglary charges. However, some activists, including Head, face retrials for other charges. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is appealing the High Court decision.
Elbit Systems UK remains a focal point for activist protests. Recently, a group named People Against Genocide alleged they blocked the Bristol site by "locking on" as a form of protest. Avon and Somerset Police reported arrests related to this incident.
As of the latest updates, Elbit Systems UK and the Ministry of Justice have not provided comments on these developments.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
