Four pro-Palestinian activists are set to face trial in 2027 after allegedly breaking into a British military airbase and vandalizing aircraft in a protest against the UK’s support for Israel.
The incident took place on June 20 at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where the activists reportedly entered the base and sprayed red paint over two Voyager aircraft used for refueling and transport operations. The protest group Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the act.
The accused—Lewie Chiaramello, 22; Jony Cink, 24; Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29; and Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36—appeared at London’s Old Bailey court for a preliminary hearing. Their trial is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
They face charges of conspiracy to enter a prohibited area with intent to harm the UK's interests or security, as well as conspiracy to commit criminal damage. No pleas were entered during Friday’s hearing.
Authorities estimate the damage to the aircraft at £7 million.
Earlier this month, UK lawmakers designated Palestine Action as a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws—a move the group has criticized as “authoritarian.” A legal challenge to the ban is scheduled to be heard at the High Court in London on Monday. Photo by OwenBlacker, Wikimedia commons.
