In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, more than 1,200 artists, athletes, and academics have voiced their concern over what they perceive as the disproportionate sentencing of five Just Stop Oil activists. These individuals, who engaged in peaceful protests on the M25, have received some of the harshest penalties ever assigned for non-violent protest in the UK.
The call for reevaluation of these sentences is led by prominent figures such as Labour donor Dale Vince and broadcaster Chris Packham. They have urged Attorney General Richard Hermer KC for a meeting to address their concerns about what they refer to as “the jailing of truth-tellers and their silencing in court.
Among the activists, Roger Hallam, 58, received a five-year sentence for his role in the protests that significantly disrupted the M25 in 2022. His co-activists, Cressida Gethin, Daniel Shaw, Lucia Whittaker de Abreu, and Louise Lancaster, were each sentenced to four years.
This sentencing has sparked outrage and concern, attracting the support of notable personalities like Dame Tracey Emin, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and actor Toby Jones. They joined forces in signing an open letter that criticised the severity of the sentences and questioned the fairness of the trial, particularly pointing out that the defendants were restricted from fully explaining their motives to the jury.
The letter highlights the existential threat posed by climate change, arguing that the activists were attempting to draw attention to a critical global issue, thus performing a “necessary service.” It contrasts the length of their sentences with those handed down for more severe crimes, calling into question the balance of justice.
The economic impact of the M25 protests, as presented during the trial at Southwark Crown Court, included substantial costs to the police and significant delays, yet many argue that these factors do not justify the severity of the sentences.
The signatories of the letter have labelled this situation as “one of the greatest injustices in a British court in modern history,” urging a reevaluation of the approach to handling protests and civil disobedience, particularly when they are driven by pressing global issues like climate change.
The Attorney General’s Office has responded, stating that the prosecutorial and sentencing decisions were made independently of the government, emphasizing the independence of the judicial processes involved. However, the debate continues, with calls for a more compassionate and rational approach to dealing with environmental protesters.
