Charlotte Head: A Case Study of Activism and the Prison System in the UK
London, United Kingdom – Prior to her arrest, Charlotte Head dedicated her efforts to charitable work, aiding victims of domestic violence and volunteering at refugee camps in Calais. Her commitment to social justice reflects a broader trend of activism engaged in humanitarian causes.
Head, 29, is part of the group known as the “Filton 24,” comprising pro-Palestine activists accused of breaking into the Bristol branch of Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, in August 2024. In a significant development less than a year later, following other activist actions deemed disruptive, the UK government classified Palestine Action, the group responsible for the incidents, as a “terrorist” organization.
This classification is particularly notable as it suggests a shift in how activists are perceived within the legal framework. Head expressed that their treatment following this designation has been intensely challenging and fraught with systemic issues. Family members of activists encountered significant obstructions when attempting to arrange prison visits, while Head’s own reading material was subjected to stringent screening processes—a claim that echoes the experiences of many associated with Palestine Action, and which has been refuted by the UK Ministry of Justice.
Recently released on bail after serving 18 months—far longer than the UK’s typical six-month pre-trial detention limit—Head’s case has drawn parallels to historical struggles for civil rights, likened by her barrister to that of the suffragettes.
Following her release, Head experienced the emotional weight of isolation during her imprisonment. Reconnecting with friends and adjusting to freedom were bittersweet experiences, underscored by the challenges she faced while incarcerated. Head mentioned a particularly overwhelming moment when a friend offered her pesto pasta, a simple comfort after a period of profound isolation.
In her time at Foston Hall, where she was relocated far from her friends and family, Head faced significant mental health challenges. In August 2025, about a year post-arrest, she attempted to take her own life, expressing feelings of powerlessness as a pawn in larger political games.
The prison environment in the UK has come under scrutiny for its conditions, with reports indicating that in 2025, 29 individuals died under circumstances classified as “self-inflicted.” Activists associated with Palestine Action have called for substantial reforms within the prison system, highlighting issues of censorship and the restriction of communication.
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action aims to address perceived injustices regarding Israel’s military actions and the complicity they allege exists within the UK government and associated arms manufacturers. In a recent watershed moment, the High Court determined that the ban on Palestine Action was unlawful, leading to the acquittal of most of the Filton 24 on charges of aggravated burglary, while one individual remains in custody on separate charges.
Activists continue to target Elbit Systems UK, with protests escalating in recent weeks, exemplified by actions from groups like People Against Genocide. These grassroots movements are crucial in maintaining dialogue around the moral implications of military support systems in conflict zones, including the Palestinian territories.
Head’s reflections on her activism underscore a commitment to peace and justice, emphasizing the importance of amplifying voices of dissent in pursuit of equity and human rights. The ongoing developments regarding Palestine Action and its implications on activist rights in the UK will be closely monitored as advocacy continues to rise amidst evolving political landscapes.
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