Key Facts

• Rajiv Menon KC is accused of breaking court rules during the trial of activists who protested at an Israeli arms factory in the UK.
• The trial judge referred his case for contempt of court proceedings, which was approved by another judge after a legal review.
• The prosecution claims Menon’s speech risked damaging the fairness of the trial by suggesting the court was biased.
• Senior lawyers and human rights figures have criticized the decision, saying it could intimidate lawyers and harm the justice system.
• Families of victims from the Hillsborough disaster, who Menon represented, have also shown support for him.
• The controversy centers on Menon’s comments about how the court handled evidence related to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company.
• Critics argue the case may be more about the political nature of the trial than the proper role of a barrister.
• Legal leaders warn that barristers are becoming uncertain and fearful about what they can say in court without risking punishment.