Pro-Palestinian activist convicted for arson attacks in the United Kingdom

Martha Goddard, a 51-year-old activist, has been convicted following a 12-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court for a series of arson attacks carried out between March and July of last year in Norwich, England. The court found her guilty of five counts of criminal damage and two counts of possessing explosive substances. Goddard targeted several commercial locations, including two Starbucks cafes, a McDonald’s restaurant, and a local BBC office, leaving behind pro-Palestinian posters and slogans calling for an end to military operations in Gaza.

Security camera footage presented during the trial captured Goddard placing posters on the facade of the BBC building before triggering a device that started a fire. While the defendant was convicted for these specific acts, she was acquitted of charges related to attempted explosions and an attack on a telecommunications station in South Norfolk. Following the conclusion of the trial, the British judiciary confirmed that the defendant will face a lengthy prison sentence for the damages caused to the targeted properties.