Hi everyone, it’s Stu’s partner Annie here. Unfortunately on the 20th of August, Stu and the 4 others who did the action, and are called the Thales 5 were sentenced to prison. They were given 12-14 month sentences, in an unprecedented move jailing peaceful protesters in Scotland. Their has been a fundraiser set up for prison costs for all 5 of them and for supporting travel costs for their loved ones to visit them and other bills. I know you have all already donated to support stu with his legal costs for which he and myself were so appreciate of. If you are able to also donate to the new fundraiser or send to others this is the link for it here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/thales-5-support-fund

Stu and one of the other activists, Callum, are appealing their sentence on Tuesday the 5th November. We will update you on how that goes. And thanks so much again for all your support ! 

Dear supporters,

I’m very happy to confirm that my target has been reached, securing my legal fees for the approaching trial.

This is down to incredible generosity from both individuals and organisations.

With our trial beginning in just over a fortnight, I’m preparing for the mental challenge of the process. And hoping I can do justice to myself and those impacted by Thales’ destruction.

I will update when the case reaches it’s outcome.

Thanks and solidarity.

Hello,

It’s now less than one month until we go to trial against Thales, and over 2 years since our protest took place.

Thanks to you I’m nearly over the line in raising the legal costs needed, with around £700 to go. 

Any help you can give in sharing my appeal and helping me reach my target in the coming weeks is massively appreciated.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has continued to escalate with our political leaders complicit in war crimes by continuing to supply the military. But signs are emerging of our international pressure being felt and achieving the demand of a proper ceasefire.

At the most recent rally and march I attended, Huda Ammori, Palestine Action’s cofounder spoke of how the organisation has shown we don’t need to rely on the UK or Scottish Government to end the complicity in these war crimes. In recent weeks, we’ve seen Palestine Action Scotland disrupting the Leonardo factory in Edinburgh again, and trade unionists from Worker’s For Palestine blocking the Thales factory and facing police violence.

Solidarity with all those involved!

And thanks,

Stu

Thanks to your amazing support, my funding has surged past its first target and stands at over 70% of the fees required.

I can't thank you all enough for helping reduce the anxiety of our trial which is now less than 2 months away.

It's difficult to prioritise this impending case and other parts of daily life as the situation in Palestine and internationally escalates, with each day my mind drifting to those camped outside Holyrood, on college campuses in the US and particularly in Rafah and Gaza.

So I'm overwhelmed at your support for my individual case and above all hopeful that the wave of global pressure will win justice and freedom for the Palestinians.

Solidarity!

Thank you all so much for helping me to raise over £1000 so far towards my target!

I will be pushing to reach my first goal over the next week and any help you can give in sharing my cause is greatly appreciated.

Tomorrow, our pre-trial takes place ahead of July so I'll share another update soon.