TWO Pro-Palestine protesters have been released from a Scottish prison after serving time for occupying a weapons factory.
Stuart Bretherton, 25, Eva Simmons, 25, Calum Lacy, 23, Erica Hygate, 23, and Sumaya Javaid, 22, scaled the Thales UK building in Glasgow in 2022.
Thales is one of the world’s biggest weapons manufacturers, producing missile systems, armoured vehicles, and drones, as well as working in partnership with Elbit Systems, Israel’s own largest weapons firm.
The five protesters from Palestine Action remained on the roof (below), unfurled banners and erected flags as well as ignited pyrotechnics. The building also had its fire alarm activated after Hygate and Javaid entered the building, which prompted an evacuation.
A total of £1,130,783 of damage was caused and the premises were shut due to safety concerns.
But now, two of the protesters – Simmons and Hygate – have been released after serving just three months in prison.
The two former prisoners are still subject to restrictions, however, including having to wear an electronic tag.
Palestine Action have said they are overjoyed to see the release of the two women, and hope that the three remaining so-called "Thales five" prisoners will be released soon.
A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to see the release of these two brave women, who with our other comrades, opened the Scottish front against the weapons manufacturers who enable Israeli Genocide.
"While the British government actively assists in the slaughter, and too many people turn a blind eye, they acted with courage, and remained steadfast. We welcome them back as heroes.”
