Mr Justice Johnson

Rajiv Menon KC faces contempt of court charges over a closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, causing concern among UK legal professionals about restricted speech. The trial judge referred the case to the High Court, asserting a 'case to answer,' despite prior appeals questioning the process.

A UK judge has renewed contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC, a lawyer representing Palestine Action defendants, after a prior attempt was ruled unlawful. Justice Johnson alleges Menon breached court directions during a closing speech, despite a Court of Appeal ruling that the initial referral was improper. The proceedings are described as unprecedented in English legal history.

Four Palestine Action activists face sentencing as terrorists after a retrial over a violent protest at an Israeli arms manufacturer's UK site. The judge ruled there was a 'terrorist connection' to the offences, but this was not disclosed to the jury. The protest took place before Palestine Action was proscribed.