On 12 March, the trial of seven Palestine Action activists, known as the Barclays 7, was adjourned, with all seven defendants being granted bail. Francesca Nadin, remained in custody however, because she was also on bail to Bradford Crown Court.
Finally, on Tuesday 18 March, she was released.
Palestine Action and the Barclays 7
Last year, a long-running direct action campaign by Palestine Action eventually persuaded Barclay’s Bank to divest from Genocide, and sell their shares in Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest weapons manufacturer. On June 27 2024, shortly before Barclay’s made that decision, one of their branches, in Leeds city centre, was targeted, along with another genocide-supporting bank, J.P. Morgan.
Seven people were arrested on criminal damage charges, six of whom were charged and released on bail. The other, Francesca Nadin, was remanded to New Hall Prison, near Wakefield, where she was held for eight months.
The long-awaited Barclay’s 7 trial started at Leeds Crown Court, on Wednesday 12 March, with over 30 supporters turning up to show solidarity with the defendants.
After a few hours, it became apparent that the judge hearing the case would have to recluse himself, as he had an account at the branch of Barclay’s related to the action. The Barclays 7 case will not now be heard until at least January 2026.
Were Francesca Nadin held on remand until then, she would have served 18 months – equivalent to a three year sentence and likely far exceeding any custodial sentence which could be awarded under these charges.
‘Technical bail’ was granted last week, approved in Bradford Crown Court today, albeit with significant conditions – including curfew and restrictions on seeing friends:
BREAKING: Francesca Nadin has just been released from prison after nine months inside!
She's accused of dismantling Barclays and an American weapons factory which produces parts for Israeli missiles.
Welcome out👏 pic.twitter.com/k64DNJn1AK
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) March 18, 2025
Free at last
However, Francesca is also one of the Teledyne 4, arrested after occupying the roof of the Teledyne arms factory near Shipley in May 2023. Because of this, she was kept in custody pending a bail application before Bradford Crown Court today.
Francesca stated upon her release:
With my new found liberty, I am ready to continue fighting for justice, peace, and freedom. I know that my freedom is incomplete without the freedom of my comrades, and of the Palestinian people.
While in prison, Francesca has written numerous articles, and has an online blog. On 25 March, 150 supporters demonstrated outside New Hall prison in support of her, and to celebrate her 29th birthday a few days before.
There are still 19 Palestine Action prisoners locked up in British prisons. Only one has been convicted, the others – the Filton 18 – are being held, in high security conditions, on remand.
Featured image supplied
