Protest Leads to Terrorism Charges in Edinburgh
Three women have been charged under Britain’s Terrorism Act following an incident where a van was driven into the fence of a defense factory in Edinburgh. The event took place at the Leonardo facility on Crewe Road North on Tuesday and has been attributed to the Shut Down Leonardo campaign. This group claims that the company supplies parts for Israeli F-35 jets.
Police confirmed on Sunday that the three women, aged 31, 34, and 42, who had previously been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000, were now facing formal charges. They are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday. The police emphasized that their counter-terrorism unit is leading the investigation, with further inquiries ongoing.
In addition, Police Scotland has issued an appeal for information regarding the movements of two vehicles involved in the incident. One of the vehicles was a blue Ford Transit van, which was seen around Gorgie Road on Monday and Tuesday before the event. The other was a white Honda CR-Z, which was discovered in a car park on Gorgie Road after the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 0416 from July 15.
Following the incident, the Shut Down Leonardo campaign claimed that the factory produces laser targeting systems used in Israel’s F-35 fighter jets. However, Leonardo has stated that it does not supply equipment directly to Israel and that its primary customer is the UK Armed Forces.
“Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel,” the company said. “The right to peaceful protest is an important principle in our society, however, aggressive and violent activity should have no place in protest. The intimidation of our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable.”
In response to the charges, the Shut Down Leonardo campaign, which has been actively updating supporters on the actions taken, stated: “The three activists have now been charged under the Terrorism Act. Scotland has a proud history of direct action, and never before has it been labeled as terrorism. Mobilise from 9.30AM at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 21st July and demand they’re released.”
The incident has sparked significant debate about the nature of protests and the legal implications of such actions. While the campaign emphasizes the importance of direct action, the authorities maintain that any form of violence or intimidation is unacceptable, regardless of the cause.
As the case moves forward, the public will be watching closely to see how the court handles the charges and what impact this may have on future protests. The situation highlights the complex relationship between activism, law enforcement, and national security.
