Climate Activists Jailed for Van Gogh Soup Protest

Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, climate activists from Just Stop Oil, were jailed for throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' painting in London. Although the painting was unharmed, the frame incurred significant damage. Their convictions come amid a broader crackdown on protest movements in Europe.

Two climate activists from Just Stop Oil, Phoebe Plummer, 23, and Anna Holland, 22, were jailed on Friday for causing criminal damage by throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" painting in London's National Gallery. The incident, which took place in October 2022, resulted in up to £10,000 in damage to the painting's frame, though the artwork itself remained unharmed.

After a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court, Plummer received a two-year prison sentence, while Holland was sentenced to 20 months. Judge Christopher Hehir emphasized the near-catastrophic consequences of their action, saying the painting was "probably priceless." He also dismissed Plummer's claim of being a political prisoner as "ludicrous and offensive."

The sentencing occurs amidst a broader crackdown on protest movements across Britain and Europe. Just Stop Oil activists have increasingly engaged in dramatic protests, including disrupting sports events and road traffic. In July, five group members were given the longest sentences ever for a non-violent protest in Britain, receiving at least four years in prison for attempting to block the M25 motorway.

(With inputs from agencies.)