Prosecution of Palestine Action barrister has left lawyers ‘uncertain and scared'

Prosecution of Palestine Action barrister has left lawyers ‘uncertain and scared' Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Thu, 07/23/2026 - 10:17 Rajiv Menon KC was referred for contempt of court charges over a closing speech at conclusion of Palestine Action trial Protesters wave a Palestinian flag outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on 15 June 2026 (AFP) Off Senior lawyers and legal figures in the UK have warned that the prosecution for contempt of court of a leading human rights barrister who represented Palestine Action activists is having a chilling effect across the bar. Rajiv Menon KC is alleged to have breached the judge’s directions in a closing speech he delivered in January at the conclusion of the first trial of six Palestine Action defendants accused of causing criminal damage to weapons at an Israeli arms factory outside Bristol. Menon is alleged, in particular, to have breached the judge's directions by reminding the jury of their right to acquit on conscience – something the trial judge, Mr Justice Johnson, had barred the defence from alluding to.