In August 2024, six actionists drove a modified prison van into Elbit’s research, development, and manufacturing hub in Filton, Bristol. Once inside, the six dismantled Israeli weapons, including the same model of quadcopter drones used by the Israeli military to mimic the sounds of women and children crying, to lure Palestinians and kill them. The action allegedly cost Israel’s largest weapons firm over £2 million in damage.
After the six were arrested at the scene, four more were rounded up by armed counter-terrorism police, in different parts of the country. Whilst under arrest, each of the 10 were detained without charge for approximately a week and interrogated repeatedly under the Terrorism Act. Each was eventually charged with non-terror offences.
In November, there were further raids, with anti-terror laws once again being misused, and 8 more activists subsequently remanded in custody, in relation to the same Filton action, taking the total to 18. In July 2025, a further 6 people were arrested and remanded to prison for the same action. In May 2026, Lewie was charged as part of the Filton case, while he is being held on remand in connection to the action at RAF Brize Norton. They are now the Filton 25.
All 12 defendants are facing over a year remanded in prison before trial. Many are hundreds of miles from their loved ones, with families, partners and friends facing hours of travel every week for just an hour long visit. Prisoners have had visits restricted, loved ones banned from calls and limitations on post.
Supporting a loved one in prison is expensive. This fund provides financial support for the prisoners and their loved ones from as well as supporting the ongoing campaign for their freedom.
The fund is managed by Da'm - Defend and Mobilise. Da’m is an organisation set-up to support people who are facing state persecution in the UK as a result of taking direct action in solidarity with Palestine. We are a group of volunteers and activists supporting other activists through the process of the criminal justice system. We provide support from the point of arrest, through trial and any subsequent sentencing. Da'm aims to to break the sense of isolation that comes with being targeted by the state. We are committed to building a community in struggle founded on the basis of mutual aid, care and solidarity.