The use of anti-terror laws to convict the Stansted 15 will chill public dissent

This case is further evidence of a climate of repression targeting groups that carry out non-violent but disruptive protests.

By Bruce Anderson

BISHOP'S STORTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of Stansted Airport on February 28, 2013 in Bishop's Stortford, England. The deal between Heathrow Airport Holdings, formerly known as BAA, and Manchester Airports Group to sell Stansted airport for £1.5bn is to be finalised by today. The Competition Commission ruled that BAA must sell Stansted because of the lack of competition between London airports. (Photo by Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

Following a nine-week trial, a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court today found 15 anti-deportation activists guilty of endangerment at an aerodrome, under legislation brought in to combat international terrorism. Sentencing has been reserved until 4 February 2019.

Over 18 months earlier, on the evening of 28 March 2017, “the Stansted 15”, as they have become known, cut a hole in the perimeter fence at a remote part of Stansted Airport. They then walked just over 100m to a parked Boeing 767 operated by Titan Airways, which was being prepared for a deportation flight to Nigeria.