TWO women who were charged under the Terrorism Act after a van was driven into the fence of an Edinburgh defence factory have been released on bail.
One woman, aged 34, and another, aged 42, were charged with malicious mischief, "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection".
The 42-year-old woman was also charged under the Road Traffic Act. This too was "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection", the charges stated.
The third woman arrested in connection with the incident was charged with malicious mischief, and her application for bail continues into Tuesday. She will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court then.
The incident at Leonardo took place earlier this month.
The group Shut Down Leonardo claimed it was making components for F-35 fighter jets but the defence company says it does not directly supply equipment to Israel.
Protesters gathered outside [[Edinburgh]] Sheriff Court, where the three women appeared on Monday. One held a sign saying: “20,000 children killed! Labour’s action helps Israel murder them”.
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.
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.
