PALESTINE ACTION backed the “necessary tool” of direct action today following the conviction of four activists for criminal damage.

The Bradford Four were acquitted of burglary but convicted of criminal damage on Friday after a two-week trial.

The group scaled and occupied the roof of the Teledyne weapons factory at Shipley, near Bradford, for several hours on May 15 2024 to commemorate Nakba Day.

During the occupation they painted anti-genocide slogans, broke windows and damaged the structure, including making a hole in the roof.

The site has been targeted repeatedly due to its manufacturing of components used by Israel against Gaza.

A Palestine Action spokesperson said: “The Bradford Four risked their liberties to attempt to prevent the flow of arms and the facilitation of genocide.

“Despite being stripped of these defences by the judge, they know that those aiding and abetting the massacres in Gaza should have been the ones in the dock.

“As the government continues to make record arms sales to Israel, direct action remains a necessary tool to resist this complicity.”