Four pro-Palestine activists to face trial over UK airbase break-in

Four pro-Palestinian activists will stand trial in 2027 after being accused of breaking into a British military airbase and damaging aircraft in protest against the UK’s support for 'Israel'.

Lewie Chiaramello, 22, Jony Cink, 24, Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, and Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, allegedly entered RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, where they sprayed red paint on two Voyager aircraft used for refueling and transport. Activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the act.

At a preliminary hearing held Friday at London’s Old Bailey, the four were charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited site with intent to harm national interests and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. They did not enter pleas. Their trial is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

According to police, the incident caused an estimated £7 million (USD 9.4 million) in damage to the two aircraft.

Earlier this month, UK lawmakers voted to designate Palestine Action as a proscribed organization under anti-terror laws. The group has denounced the move as "authoritarian" and is set to challenge the ban in a High Court hearing on Monday.