Scottish Activist Arrested at Elbit Factory Protest: A Brave Stand for Justice
On Christmas Day, Bryn Higgs, a Palestinian activist from Ullapool, found himself behind bars in England after being arrested during a protest at the Shenstone, Staffordshire factory of UAV Engines Ltd. This factory, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, plays a crucial role in powering Israel’s drones, including the Hermes 450 known for its involvement in controversial strikes in Gaza and the West Bank.
A History of Defiance
This was not the first time Higgs has taken a stand against UEL. In fact, it was his second arrest at the site, following a previous blockade on July 31. Palestine Action, the group he is part of, has orchestrated over 20 protests at the factory, including occupations and equipment damage, to shed light on the company’s complicity in human rights abuses.
In a powerful statement, Higgs emphasized the importance of focusing on the plight of Palestinians, drawing attention to the devastating impact of arms exports to Israel facilitated by companies like UEL. This act of defiance has not gone unnoticed, with Hugh Stirling from Ullapool’s Free Palestine support group praising Higgs for his courage and unwavering commitment to justice.
The Larger Issue at Hand
The use of drones in Israel’s military operations has been a contentious issue, with reports linking the Hermes 450 to fatal attacks on innocent civilians, including British aid workers. Higgs, who has firsthand experience volunteering in Palestine as a human rights observer, understands the urgency of addressing these atrocities and has chosen to take a bold stand against the status quo.
By risking his freedom to challenge the government’s indifference to arms sales contributing to human rights violations, Higgs has become a symbol of resistance and a beacon of hope for those advocating for peace and justice. His actions have brought much-needed attention to a pressing global issue that cannot be ignored any longer.