My name is Richard Barnard, and I'm a co-founder of Palestine Action. I am now facing three charges for two speeches given on October 8th and October 11th 2023. 

The charges

I've been accused of one count of inviting support for a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, under section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act and two counts of encouraging 'criminal damage' against Israeli weapons factories under s44 of the Serious Crime Act. 

Palestine Action has been committed to taking direct action to disrupt the Israeli weapons industry in this country for many years. As part of the 'Elbit Eight' trial which took place in November and December 2023, I was unanimously acquitted of 'encouraging criminal damage'. Yet, I've now been charged with the same offence again for similarly advocating for direct action against the Israeli war machine. 

Fighting back against state repression on Palestine 

This case is part of a wider intimidation campaign against Palestine Action, and a crackdown of the wider movement. The same section of the Terrorism Act has been wielded against journalists and activists. Clearly, the British state is doing all they can to silence critics of genocide. 

My trial is scheduled to last one week from April 14th at Manchester Crown Court, which means I may be one of the first of these cases to go to trial. Pushing back against the state intimidation campaign at every opportunity is crucial to defending free speech on Palestine, not just for me, but for the wider movement.

In order to effectively fight these charges, I'm asking for supporters to donate what they can to cover legal costs. I will be represented by Kellys Solicitors and Garden Court Chambers, who've successfully defended me before.

Thank you!