UK Court Reduces Sentences for Some Climate Activists, Upholds Others

Six activists saw their sentences shortened, while appeals by ten others were rejected in a case scrutinized for its implications on protest rights.

The Court of Appeal reduced sentences for six Just Stop Oil activists involved in disruptive protests, including co-founder Roger Hallam, whose sentence was reduced from five to four years.
Ten other activists had their appeals rejected, with their original sentences upheld for actions such as blocking roads and throwing soup on Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' painting.
The sentences, ranging from 15 months to five years, are among the harshest for peaceful protest in modern UK history, sparking concerns about the right to protest.
Critics argue the sentences represent a significant shift in criminal law, with no leniency granted for acts of civil disobedience motivated by conscientious grounds.
The case has drawn attention from environmental and civil liberties groups, who warn of the stifling impact on peaceful protest under the UK's toughened anti-protest laws.