Greta Thunberg Acquitted of Blocking Oil Conference in London Trial
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been acquitted of a public order offence by a judge in London, who ruled that the police acted unlawfully and had no power to arrest her and four other defendants. Thunberg and her co-defendants stood trial for reportedly blocking an oil and gas conference outside a hotel in London last year.
The Westminster Magistrates’ courtroom erupted in applause as Judge John Law announced the decision, clearing Thunberg and her co-defendants of breaching the Public Order Act. The judge cited significant deficiencies in the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
All five defendants were accused of failing to comply with a police order to move their protest to a designated area near the Energy Intelligence Forum conference. However, the judge noted that the police could have imposed lesser restrictions on the protest, and the conditions that were imposed were not clear.
The government should stop prosecuting peaceful protesters and instead find ways to tackle the climate crisis, said Raj Chada, the lawyer representing Thunberg and two other defendants.
Judge Law also acknowledged that the demonstration attended by Thunberg was peaceful, civilized, and non-violent. He granted the defense lawyer’s request for the government to pay legal fees and travel costs once the bills are submitted. If convicted, Thunberg could have faced a fine of up to £2,500 ($3,190).
During the trial, the judge noted the lack of witness statements taken from the hotel’s guests and the absence of evidence of any interference with emergency services or any risk to life. He deemed it striking and questioned the intention behind the arrest.
Thunberg and other climate protesters have accused fossil fuel companies of impeding the global energy transition to renewables for additional profit. They also oppose the UK government’s approval of oil drilling in the North Sea, off the coast of Scotland.
Following the verdict, Thunberg left the court without speaking to journalists but issued a short statement, emphasizing the need to remember the true enemy and protect those who the laws are meant to safeguard.
The Metropolitan Police expressed their respect for the right to protest but highlighted the disruption caused by some campaigners who block roads and hinder normal activities in London.
Prosecutors may seek an adjournment for a similar trial scheduled to start next week and could potentially appeal Friday’s decision at the High Court.
Greta Thunberg gained worldwide attention for her weekly protests outside the Swedish Parliament in 2018. Previously, she had been fined by a Swedish court for blocking traffic during an oil facility protest. The climate activist remains dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent need to address the climate crisis.
(with inputs from agencies)
