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Barrister Faces Court Over Trial Speech
2 Jul
Summary
- Barrister Rajiv Menon KC faces contempt proceedings for his closing speech.
- He allegedly misled the jury in a Palestine Action criminal damage trial.
- A judge found sufficient evidence to bring proceedings against him.
Barrister Rajiv Menon KC is set to face contempt of court proceedings following his closing speech in a criminal damage trial. The allegations stem from his representation of a defendant in a Palestine Action case involving the UK site of Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems near Bristol. Menon is accused of misleading the jury and disregarding judicial instructions during the initial trial in January.
Justice Nicklin has determined there is sufficient evidence to suggest a contempt of court may have occurred, deeming it in the public interest to pursue proceedings. The court order stated that Menon's statements potentially implied the court was not impartial. He is scheduled to appear at the Royal Courts of Justice on July 28, 2026.
During the first trial, partial verdicts were returned, and defendants were acquitted of some charges. However, they were later convicted of criminal damage in a retrial. Menon's legal team expressed shock at the allegations, stating he did not believe he was knowingly breaching any orders.
