Around 140 lawyers, trade unionists, and campaigners gathered in London on Tuesday to support barrister Rajiv Menon KC, who faces up to two years in prison over his closing speech in the trial of six Palestine Action protesters. The meeting, held at Unison Centre on October 20, featured speakers including Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, Unison General Secretary Andrea Egan, and representatives from Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth. Photo: Jess Hurd

Menon represented Charlotte Head, one of six defendants charged following an August 2024 protest at an Elbit Systems factory in Filton, Bristol. The barrister faces contempt proceedings over remarks made during his closing speech at Woolwich Crown Court in January 2026.

According to the 29 June contempt summons, Menon allegedly breached judicial directions by informing jurors about jury equity and inviting them to apply it. The principle allows jurors to acquit defendants according to conscience, even where no formal legal defence is available.

Menon denies breaching the judge’s order.

The Court of Appeal set aside earlier contempt proceedings in May on jurisdictional grounds. Fresh proceedings were initiated in June after Mr Justice Johnson found a prima facie case of contempt.

Menon has challenged the subsequent decisions, with a further appeal hearing date yet to be announced.

The case has prompted concerns about the independence of criminal defence lawyers. ‘Rajiv was doing his job. He was doing what lawyers have to do’, Kennedy told attendees, describing the proceedings as wrongly brought.

Simon Crowther of Amnesty International warned that the prosecution could discourage barristers from defending protesters. ‘If you want to undermine the rule of law the first thing you do is prosecute the lawyers,’ he said, adding that the ‘chilling effect’ on defence barristers was ‘stark’.

Andrea Egan, Unison’s General Secretary, described the proceedings as part of a broader threat to civil liberties. ‘The attack on Rajiv Menon is an attack on us all’, she said. Menon has previously represented families of Hillsborough victims and individuals affected by undercover police surveillance.

Pragna Patel, director of Project Resist, warned that the outcome could have wider consequences for the legal profession. ‘What happens next has ramifications for the rule of law and for democracy’, she said.