Greenpeace Activists Cleared of Charges in Sunak Estate Protest
Four Greenpeace activists arrested for protesting oil and gas expansion at Rishi Sunak's estate have been cleared of criminal charges. A York Magistrates' Court judge found the evidence too “tenuous” to convict them of criminal damage. The ruling highlights concerns over harsh penalties for peaceful protesters in the UK.
- Country:
- United Kingdom
Four Greenpeace activists arrested for scaling former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's estate and draping it in black fabric have been cleared of criminal charges. The activists aimed to protest Sunak's plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Judge Adrian Lower at York Magistrates' Court dismissed the charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove that they caused damage to Sunak's North Yorkshire slate roof. The alleged damages included cracked tiles, estimated at around 3,000 pounds (USD 4,000).
The ruling comes amid rising tensions regarding the treatment of environmental activists in the UK, many of whom face significant jail time. The legal and activist communities are watching closely as the debate over fossil fuels and environmental policy continues to intensify.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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