Activist said raid was 'best thing I've ever done'

A Palestine Action activist charged with causing criminal damage at the UK site of an Israel-based defence firm has told a court that taking part in the raid was the "best thing I've ever done".

Zoe Rogers, 22, is accused of breaking into the Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in August 2024 before destroying property and clashing with security guards and police.

Representing herself, Rogers told a jury at Woolwich Crown Court there was a "good chance" that "innocent lives were saved" due to the action taken.

She denies a charge of criminal damage alongside Samuel Corner, 23, Charlotte Head, 30, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, and Jordan Devlin, 31.

Corner faces a further charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to police sergeant Kate Evans, which he denies.

During her closing speech on Wednesday afternoon, Rogers told jurors: "As you perhaps realise by now, I have decided to represent myself."

The defendant explained this decision was not because her barrister was doing a "bad job", adding they had become "close friends".

Rogers told jurors: "The prosecution know full well that we are right that this factory is supplying weapons to Israel."

She said she was "so proud" she took part in the action, adding: "I'm proud I overcame my fear and took action because of course I was scared.

"I can say with absolute certainty that this is the best thing I've ever done because there's a good chance that because of our action that night, innocent lives were saved."

The court previously heard that the group crashed into shutters outside the factory in a prison van in the early hours of 6 August 2024.

Once inside, they used sledgehammers to destroy computers, drones and military equipment and used fire extinguishers to spray the floor and walls with red paint.

Devlin also told the court he had decided to represent himself, adding it was so he could "tell you my truth", before praising his "fantastic" barrister.

"I do not regret signing up to this action," he said.

The defendant invited the jurors to find a verdict of not guilty, telling them they did not need to "explain" their verdicts to anyone.

The trial continues.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.