We are raising funds to support the Leonardo 3 - three pro-Palestine activists as they face court in November 2025, following targeting a UK- based arms company which took place late 2023. Since the initial arrests they have been subject to severe harassment, including police breaking into their homes, confiscation of personal items, surveillance through GPS ankle tags, and several further arrests due to technical malfunctioning of these devices. We fear the retaliation from the courts will be equally harsh and disproportionate, and are asking for financial support from the community to aid those being targeted for standing up.
The action was followed by the collectivisation of the ShutDownLeonardoSouthampton campaign, where for 2 years hitherto local activists have been picketing on the factory site, demanding for Leonardo UK to halt its arms production abetting the Palestinian genocide. In recent months they have been targeted and attacked by the far-right. However, these attempts to scare us only galvanise our movement. Let's show up for our community and demonstrate that we stand behind our comrades facing repression and violence.
Funds raised will go towards legal fees, lost wages, mental health support, and travel / accommodation costs associated with appearing at court. We aim to provide this for the defendants as well as lower-income members of the community who can attend. Depending on the outcome of sentencing we may also need to fund an Immigration lawyer for one of the defendants who is visa-insecure. Any excess funds will be donated towards Palestine and similar legal aid campaigns.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Potential legal Fees (lawyers, court fees, expert witnesses): 3k
Lost Wages, Homelessness prevention and Court Transportation for defendants and community : 2k
Mental Health Support and other long term care needs: 1k
TOTAL: £6,000
Right now we are fundraising for around three individuals facing charges. Our goals and cost breakdown will be updated as we potentially expand to include more individuals facing legal repression and in need of support.
All we have is each other. Solidarity is our instrument to resist. All the love and FREE PALESTINE
for more information please go here:
Organizer
Laura Hayes
Organizer