Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Faces Charges by British Police over London Protest
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, renowned for her tireless efforts in raising awareness about climate change, found herself among 26 individuals charged by British police following a protest outside an oil and gas conference held in London. Thunberg, a 20-year-old Swedish activist, was specifically accused of failing to comply with a condition imposed under section 14 of the Public Order Act.
As reported by the London Metropolitan police, Thunberg has been released on bail and is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 15. The charges stem from a demonstration where Thunberg and other activists were seen chanting oily money out while blocking the entrance to the event venue located in London’s upscale Mayfair neighborhood. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when Thunberg and her fellow protestors were escorted into a police van.
Thunberg’s encounters with law enforcement have become somewhat commonplace in recent times. This year alone, she has faced charges and fines twice in her home country of Sweden, in addition to being detained or removed from protests in Norway and Germany.
Experts studying the climate movement suggest that these detentions reflect a change in Thunberg’s approach, as she now willingly puts herself at risk of being detained. However, her arrests also shed light on how governments, particularly in the case of Britain, have started to crack down on climate protests.
Over the past two years, the United Kingdom has passed controversial legislation granting the police new powers to disperse and block such demonstrations. The United Nations human rights chief expressed deep concern over the Public Order Bill when it was debated in Parliament. The conservative government argues that these new powers are necessary to counter climate groups, such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil, that have disrupted major sports events, blocked roads, and staged significant protests causing disruptions in London.
Despite some groups in Britain moving away from disruptive tactics, a segment of the movement remains committed to their cause and demonstrates resilience in the face of possible arrests.
Lochlinn Parker, managing director of Good Law Practice, notes a significant increase in arrests due to the expanded powers available to the police, as well as individuals’ growing willingness to be arrested.
If found guilty, Thunberg could face a maximum fine of £2500 (approximately NZ$5180). However, this conviction would not impact her ability to travel to Britain as long as it does not involve jail time. Nonetheless, British Home Secretary Suella Braverman could choose to restrict her entry separately, similar to previous instances where entry bans were issued for individuals such as American rapper Snoop Dogg.
Bob Ward, a climate communications expert at the London School of Economics, suggests that despite attempting to minimize disruption through legal changes, recent UK government decisions, such as the delayed ban on the sales of new gasoline and diesel vehicles, have only motivated more individuals to take direct action.
Thunberg remarked in a statement prior to her arrest that protestors felt compelled to disrupt because the world is being deceived by greenwashing and lies propagated by the fossil fuel industry. She criticized their active utilization of distractions and loopholes, allowing them to prioritize their business over the well-being of the planet. According to Thunberg, it is imperative to challenge the status quo and demand change in order to combat climate change effectively.
