Key Facts

• Rajiv Menon KC was charged with contempt of court for his closing speech in a trial involving six activists protesting at an arms factory owned by Elbit Systems UK in Filton.
• The arms factory is linked to an Israeli company.
• The trial judge, Mr Justice Johnson, claimed Menon broke rules about what lawyers can say to juries, especially regarding jury equity—when juries can decide based on conscience.
• Menon's case is believed to be the first of its kind against a barrister for a speech to a jury.
• The court of appeal decided that the judge could not directly refer Menon to the high court for contempt without the attorney general’s approval.
• Menon’s lawyers said this ruling protects lawyers from being unfairly punished for defending their clients.
• None of the original defendants were convicted, though four were found guilty after a retrial.
• Defend Our Juries expressed concern that contempt charges were even brought against Menon, as it could threaten legal rights and justice.