Key facts
- Julija Brigadirova, a defendant in a Palestine Action trial, is accused of planning a raid on an Elbit Systems plant in Filton.
- Her defense lawyer argued that Brigadirova was experiencing severe emotional distress, including a suicide attempt, at the time of the alleged planning.
- The prosecution presented messages suggesting Brigadirova was aware of and potentially traveling to the raid location.
- Brigadirova's defense countered that there was no direct evidence linking her to the planning or coordination of the raid.
- Another defendant, Aleksandra Herbich, is described as having a minimal role, primarily involved in cooking.
- William Plastow is accused of purchasing equipment for the raid, but his defense claims limited knowledge of the specific target.
In a British court, the defense for Julija Brigadirova, a defendant in a Palestine Action trial, argued that she was suffering from severe emotional turmoil, including a suicide attempt, at the time she was allegedly involved in planning a raid on an Elbit Systems plant in Filton.
Brigadirova's barrister, Tom Copeland, suggested that her absence from evidence detailing the coordination of the raid was due to her personal circumstances, stating she "may not have been in a place to usefully contribute" and had "more important things going on."
Brigadirova, along with six co-defendants, faces charges of violent disorder and criminal damage in connection with a break-in at the Elbit Systems plant in August 2024. William Plastow, another defendant, was acquitted of violent disorder but still faces criminal damage charges. The defendants deny the charges, and are not alleged to have entered the factory premises.
Copeland challenged the prosecution's assertion that Brigadirova was a "key player," calling it an "assumption" unsupported by evidence. He highlighted the lack of financial transactions or Signal messages from Brigadirova related to the raid's planning. The prosecution pointed to a message from a friend, Jasmine Cruickshank, asking about a "Bristol van trip," which the defense dismissed as "nonsense," noting Cruickshank was not called as a witness.
Brigadirova was reportedly driven to Bristol by Cruickshank and stayed at an Airbnb. Her defense suggested she may have been "going along for the ride" as a form of self-support during a difficult period. The court also heard that Brigadirova had been hospitalized for four days after an attempt on her life.
For co-defendant Aleksandra Herbich, barrister Emma Fenn argued her role was minimal, primarily involving purchasing food and cooking, which she stated did not qualify as assisting or encouraging the offenses. Fenn noted Herbich handed over her phone during the action, contrary to "Coordinator's manual" instructions.
Representing William Plastow, barrister Andrew Rose argued his client had "limited interaction" with Palestine Action and agreed to do odd jobs and purchase tools without full knowledge of the specific target. The prosecution's case against Plastow relies on his purchase of items like rucksacks, protective gear, and crowbars, which they argue amounts to coordinating the action and assisting with criminal damage.