INTERNATIONAL legal associations and human rights groups have warned that the rule of law is under threat in Britain following the arrest of pro-Palestine activists through the misuse of counterterrorism laws.

An open letter, signed by 21 groups, relates to the case of Palestine Action protesters known as the “Filton 18,”  who have been jailed over an action targeting a facility in Bristol owned by Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons firm. 

The activists were detained under counterterror powers, despite being charged with criminal offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. 

The Crown Prosecution Service has, however, said it will submit to the court that the offences had a “terrorist connection,” which could lead to more severe sentences. 

The activists have consequently been denied bail and subjected to higher security protocols.

The 21 group’s letter states that the case “is a litmus test for democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in the United Kingdom.”

They add that a freedom of information request shows that the government shared the contact details of counterterrorism police with the Israeli embassy during the investigation. 

The documents were almost entirely redacted, raising questions around the impartiality of prosecuting authorities. 

The United Nations has formally intervened in the case, raising concerns about police using counterterrorism laws “despite the absence of a credible connection between the activists’ conduct to terrorism.”

International Centre of Justice for Palestinians legal officer Zaki Sarraf,  who is one of the letter’s signatories, said: “The use of counterterrorism legislation to detain the Filton 18, who acted to disable lethal weaponry, such as quadcopters intended for use in Gaza, is deeply troubling.

“UN experts have voiced alarm over the Palestine Action activists’ detention and Israel’s ongoing genocide on Gaza. 

”Despite this, the UK has continued military co-operation with Israel, including over 500 RAF surveillance flights, with planes specialising in target acquisition flying over Gaza and sharing intelligence with Israel.

“The UK government often asserts its commitment to the rule of law. Now it must prove it by ending all military collaboration with Israel and pursuing accountability for those responsible for this live-streamed genocide.”