Judge dismisses case against Greta Thunberg over London climate rally
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Greta Thunberg and co-accused are acquitted in a London protest trial as the judge deems charges unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence, unclear protest conditions, and peaceful nature of the demonstration.
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Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, centre, speaks to the media at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP)
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and four others charged with public order offenses during a London protest outside the InterContinental hotel have been cleared after a judge ruled that the prosecution had failed to present compelling or sufficient evidence.
Thunberg, along with Christofer Kebbon, Joshua James Unwin, Jeff Rice, and Peter Barker, had faced charges of "failing to comply with a condition imposed under section 14 of the Public Order Act" during their demonstration outside the Mayfair hotel. The protest coincided with the Energy Intelligence Forum (EIF), a summit attended by fossil fuel industry leaders and government officials.
Week 285. Today we are unable to have a climate strike. I’m one of 5 activists in a trial in London for peacefully protesting against an oil conference in October. The demonstration aimed to highlight the terrible consequence of the everyday business of fossil corporations.
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) February 2, 2024
🧵 pic.twitter.com/hKJmhTK2WO
The arrests occurred when a senior officer enacted a section 14 order, imposing conditions on the protest that allegedly obstructed access to the hotel for guests and EIF delegates. However, Judge Laws concluded on the second day of the trial at Westminster Magistrates Court that the crown had failed to provide enough evidence to support their case.
Judge Laws criticized the unclear conditions imposed on protesters, stating that they were "so unclear that it is unlawful," rendering non-compliance a non-offense. He commended the peaceful and non-violent nature of the protest and questioned the prosecution's evidence, pointing out the absence of witness statements from hotel guests and any proof of disruption to emergency services or risk to life.
Read more: Thunberg charged in connection with Swedish climate protest: Report
Raj Chada, representing Thunberg, Kebbon, and Unwin, argued that the details of the section 14 order were not properly communicated to his clients by arresting officers. Chada emphasized the lack of clarity in the communicated conditions, leading to the failure of the prosecution's case.
During the trial, PC David Lawrence, the officer who arrested Thunberg, admitted knowing her high-profile status but claimed it did not influence his actions. Lawrence enforced the section 14 order without knowing the precise relocation location for protesters.
In response to Thunberg's legal representation, Judge Laws granted the request for the government to cover legal fees and Thunberg's travel costs, thus marking an important victory for climate activists and the right to peaceful assembly.
