Two of the five being held behind bars north of the border have been released.

Pro-Palestine campaigners who had been in prison since August have been released. 

Two members of the so-called Thales Five were released from prison in Scotland, having been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in August. They will serve the remainder of their sentences in the community.

The women were part of a Palestine Action team who, in June 2022, occupied the Thales weapons factory in Govan, Glasgow, shutting it down, and costing the French arms giant more than £1million. 

This was Palestine Action's debut action in Scotland.

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.

While the two former prisoners are still subject to restrictions, including having to wear an electronic tag, they have been freed after three months behind bars.

Palestine Action say they are overjoyed to see the release of the two women, including life-long activist Eva Simmons. 

A Palestine Action 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.”

The group hopes that the three remaining Thales 5 prisoners will be released soon. 

They include Stuart Bretherton and Calum Lacy, who recently challenged their imprisonment in court, as well as Sumaya Javaid. 

In total, there are now 14 Palestine Action prisoners in Britain, with five more globally, all having taken direct action in response to Western complicity in Israel’s genocide, occupation, and apartheid in Palestine.