Protesters gather outside court as Palestine activists appear on terror charges

PROTESTERS gathered outside a sheriff court as three women appeared on terror charges after a van was rammed into the fence of a military contractor.

The women, aged 31, 34 and 42, were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 after the incident at the Leonardo factory in Crewe Road North, Edinburgh on Tuesday, July 15.

(Image: Alan Simpson)

Police Scotland said their counter-terrorism unit is leading the investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

One protester outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where the three women appeared on Monday, held a sign saying: “20,000 children killed! Labour’s action helps Israel murder them”. 

(Image: Alan Simpson)

Others had signs saying “Gaza: stop the genocide” and “Freedom for Palestine”.

(Image: Alan Simpson)

Banners were also displayed for the pressure group Campaign Against Arms Trade and people waved Palestinian flags outside the court in Chambers Street in the capital.

(Image: Alan Simpson)

Leonardo produces weapons for the Israeli military including guns used in the maritime blockade of Gaza and its wholly-owned subsidiary RADA Electronic Industries makes software which supports the country’s “Iron Fist” system which provided cover for tanks used in the ground invasion and levelling of Gaza, according to the Who Profits Research Centre.