In a dramatic early morning operation, UK Counter-Terrorism officers have rearrested Qesser Zuhrah, a 21-year-old activist previously associated with the proscribed organization Palestine Action. The arrest occurred approximately at 6:30 AM on Monday during a raid on her Watford residence, conducted by masked police personnel.
Zuhrah was taken into custody under Section 44 of the Serious Crimes Act for allegedly encouraging criminal activities, and Section 1 of the Terrorism Act for purportedly inciting acts of terrorism. Video evidence from the scene depicts the moment officers, whose faces were concealed, informed her of the charges before transporting her to Hatfield police station for questioning.
This development follows Zuhrah’s recent release on bail in February after spending 15 months in remand. Her initial detention was connected to a August 2024 incident involving two dozen activists at an Israeli-owned Elbit Systems arms manufacturing facility in Filton—a case collectively known as the ‘Filton 24’. Although aggravated burglary charges against her and 22 co-defendants were subsequently dropped, she now faces new allegations.
According to the advocacy group Free the Filton 24, the latest arrest stems from an Instagram post in which Zuhrah allegedly advocated for ‘direct action’. Counter Terrorism Policing South East confirmed the operation and stated they are reviewing the rationale behind officers wearing masks during the arrest.
The context of this case is further complicated by the UK government’s July 2025 proscription of Palestine Action—a group that protests against Israeli military operations—which is currently subject to a legal challenge after a High Court deemed the ban unlawful.
Zuhrah’s previous imprisonment was marked by significant controversy. She participated in a 73-day hunger strike alongside seven other Palestine Action-detainees, enduring 46 days without food that resulted in multiple hospitalizations. At a recent press conference, she detailed allegations of mistreatment during her confinement, including being left immobilized on her cell floor for 22 hours with severe chest pains and being subjected to extended solitary confinement periods.