In a landmark decision that could shape the future of activism in the UK, the Court of Appeal has largely upheld harsh sentences for climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group, despite some minor reductions.
The 16 activists, who were challenging their jail sentences, include high-profile figures such as Roger Hallam, who helped organize a blockade on a busy motorway. While Hallam’s sentence was reduced from five to four years, other appeals were dismissed. Notably, the case of two protesters who threw soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” was rejected, as the court maintained the view that targeting cultural icons could be considered violent.
The judgment has sparked fierce debate. Legal scholars and activists argue that the ruling represents a significant shift away from the UK’s tradition of leniency for non-violent protests. Graeme Hayes, a sociologist at Aston University, warned that the decision signals an erosion of liberal democratic rights, with the Court of Appeal’s stance supporting a crackdown on peaceful disruptive protest.
