Pro-Palestinian Protesters Sentenced for Glasgow Factory Damage

Five pro-Palestinian protesters were sentenced for a total of five years and two months after causing over £1 million in damages at the Thales UK weapons factory in Glasgow during a protest on June 1, 2022. The group, which included Stuart Bretherton, Eva Simmons, Calum Lacy, Erica Hygate, and Sumaya Javaid, scaled the building, unfurled banners, and ignited pyrotechnics, leading to the activation of fire alarms and an evacuation. Hygate and Javaid entered the building, throwing a smoke bomb that caused panic among staff. While four received 12-month sentences, Javaid was sentenced to 14 months. The action was part of a broader protest against the Scottish arms trade with Israel, with supporters claiming such sentences would only galvanize further activism. The damages were estimated at £1,130,783, prompting the building's closure due to safety concerns.