Remembering the True Enemy

Greta Thunberg Defends Climate Activists Facing Prosecution

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has passionately defended fellow climate activists who are currently facing prosecution in court. In a powerful statement, she emphasized the importance of recognizing the true enemy in the fight against climate change.

Arrested for Taking a Stand

On 17 October, Greta Thunberg was arrested during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair. The hotel was hosting the Energy Intelligence Forum, where oil executives were meeting. Thunberg, along with two Fossil Free London protesters and two Greenpeace activists, is accused of breaching section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by blocking the entrance to the hotel.

Understanding the Enemy

\”Even though we are the ones standing here, climate, environmental, and human rights activists all over the world are being prosecuted, sometimes convicted, and given penalties for acting in line with science,\” Thunberg stated outside the court.

She further emphasized, \”We must remember who the real enemy is, what we are defending, and who our laws are meant to protect. History’s judgment will not be gentle towards those who destroy and sacrifice resources at the expense of humanity, future generations, and the environment.\”

The Final Warning

According to Supt Andrew Cox, the most senior Metropolitan Police officer present at the demonstration, Greta Thunberg was given a \”final warning\” by the police before her arrest. Despite repeated requests to move, Thunberg and the other protesters refused to comply.

The Impact of the Protest

Demonstrators had gathered outside the hotel early in the morning, causing significant disruption to both access for the public and the ability of attendees inside the hotel to leave. As a result, the police were left with no choice but to impose a section 14 condition, allowing the protest to continue only on the pavement to the south of the hotel.

Standing Strong

Prosecutor Luke Staton revealed that Greta Thunberg was warned of her potential arrest, but she steadfastly refused to comply. Despite this, Thunberg remained composed and focused, continuously taking notes in a small notebook throughout the proceedings.

Support from Fellow Activists

As Greta Thunberg arrived at court, she was greeted by a group of environmental protesters demonstrating in solidarity with her and the other defendants. Holding banners that read, \”climate protest is not a crime\” and signs questioning who the real criminals are, the activists showed their unwavering support.

A Global Issue

Sacha Deshmukh, the chief executive of Amnesty International UK, commended Thunberg’s peaceful climate protests, stating, \”The charges against Thunberg and all the activists highlight everything that’s wrong with the policing of protests in the UK today. Police are increasingly using their expanded powers to silence legitimate protests.\”

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Read More of this Story at www.bbc.com – 2024-02-01 20:14:00