Climate change advocates who received prison sentences of up to five years for their participation in various protests “acted out of sacrifice” and deserve a reduction in their sentences, the Court of Appeal was informed.
Last year, sixteen demonstrators were convicted for their involvement in four protests organized by Just Stop Oil (JSO), which included climbing on gantries above the M25 and vandalizing Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting with soup.
The legal representatives for these individuals argued in the Court of Appeal that the sentences constituted a violation of their human rights.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is against the appeal, maintaining that the sentences were legally justified.
Danny Friedman KC, one of the attorneys for the defendants, pointed out that some of these sentences were “the most severe of their kind in recent British history.” He cautioned that upholding these terms would signify a “significant change in this realm of criminal sentencing.”
The court heard that the protesters “were aware they would face prosecution,” yet “none of the appellants acted with selfish motives.”
Mr. Friedman stated: “These individuals engaged in collective, non-violent protest, which, regardless of personal opinions, was intended for the benefit of the public, the environment, and future generations.” He emphasized that “they undertook these actions out of a sense of sacrifice.”
The sentences prompted support for the appeal from environmental organizations like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace UK, which expressed earlier concerns that these penalties posed a “serious threat to our democracy.”
In joint written arguments, the barristers for the CPS claimed that the sentences were “neither legally erroneous nor manifestly excessive.” They contended that a more lenient approach would not deter the activists from “resorting to increasingly disruptive actions.”
They also informed the Court of Appeal that “deterrence is essential to safeguard the public.”
The proceedings, presided over by Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Mr. Justice Lavender, and Mr. Justice Griffiths, are anticipated to conclude on Thursday.
