Four charged with terror-linked offences after £7m RAF base break-in over Gaza war
Protesters accused of damaging military aircraft in alleged Palestine Action plot at Brize Norton
Four pro-Palestinian activists have been charged with terrorism-linked offences after breaking into a major UK air base and causing millions of pounds’ worth of damage in protest at British support for Israel.
The group – aged between 22 and 35 – allegedly infiltrated RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on 20 June and sprayed red paint over two military aircraft, reportedly used for refuelling and transport.
They have been charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, according to counter-terrorism police.
The suspects were named in court as Amy Gardiner-Gibson, Jony Cink, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, and Lewie Chiaramello. All four remain in custody and are due to appear at a London court on Thursday. Officers say they will present evidence linking the offences to terrorism.
The damage to the aircraft is estimated at £7 million.
Activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the break-in, releasing a video that shows an individual defacing the engine of a military aircraft with red paint. The group said it was targeting Britain’s military ties with Israel and vowed to continue disrupting what it called “complicity in genocide”.
Their latest action comes amid growing scrutiny of the group, which has repeatedly targeted Israeli-linked firms – most notably Elbit Systems – and military infrastructure across the UK.
Just hours before the court hearing, MPs voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under counter-terror legislation, subject to final approval. The group has condemned the move as “an abuse of power” and says it intends to mount a legal challenge.
The Metropolitan Police said further updates would follow after Thursday’s court proceedings.
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