Key facts
- A British court has allowed German insurance giant Allianz to pursue a civil lawsuit against pro-Palestine activists.
- The lawsuit seeks nearly £300,000 in damages.
- The activists had previously protested at Allianz offices, causing alleged damage.
- This civil action is proceeding alongside separate criminal cases against the activists.
- Activists claim the lawsuit is a tactic to suppress protest and deter future activism.
A British court has granted German insurance giant Allianz permission to proceed with a civil lawsuit against pro-Palestine activists, a move that could potentially lead to their bankruptcy. The lawsuit, seeking nearly £300,000, is separate from ongoing criminal proceedings against the same individuals for protests conducted at Allianz offices in 2024 and 2025.
Allianz alleges that the protests, which involved occupying offices and spraying them with water-soluble red paint, caused approximately £38,000 in damages. The company later increased its demand to £289,604 plus legal costs, citing "reputational damage and commercial embarrassment" after the activists occupied offices for a day. Activists have labeled this demand a "protest licence fee."
Central London County Court Judge Alan Johns rejected the activists' request for a delay until after their criminal trials conclude. The activists, who cannot afford legal representation for the civil case, argue that pursuing this action before the criminal proceedings is an unprecedented and appalling tactic to suppress protest. They targeted Allianz due to its previous insurance coverage of Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company.
One activist, Seren John-Wood, stated that Allianz's actions demonstrate a calculation to suppress protest, especially given the precedent of juries acquitting pro-Palestine activists in criminal cases. Another defendant, writer Renee Eshel, accused Allianz of using "intimidatory fear tactics" to deter future activism and expose complicity in alleged war crimes.