Palestine Action trial lawyer wins appeal against contempt of court charge
Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching judge’s directions with his closing speech at trial of six activists
TL;DR
- Rajiv Menon KC, a human rights barrister, won an appeal against a contempt of court referral.
- The referral was due to his closing speech during the trial of six Palestine Action activists.
- The activists were on trial for a 2024 protest at an Elbit Systems UK arms factory.
- The court of appeal found that the trial judge lacked the power to refer Menon for contempt.
- Menon's solicitor stated this was an unprecedented attempt to criminalize lawyers representing clients fearlessly.
- The trial judge had forbidden lawyers from encouraging the jury to disregard rulings or apply jury equity.
- The court of appeal asked the trial judge to reconsider the matter in light of their ruling.