July 18th was a grim historic day for the right to protest, when at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir sent five climate activists to prison for a total of 21 years, the longest prison sentences ever handed down to peaceful protesters in the UK.
The sentences attracted an immediate response from the UN Special Rapporteur for Environmental Defenders, Michel Forst, who was already in communication with the UK government over potential breaches as a signatory to the Aarhus Convention. See his full statement below.
Hundreds of supporters lined the streets as the prisoners were driven away from the court to begin their sentences, and the rally included lawyers, activists, friends and family, politicians and TV presenters, all calling for the new government to roll back authoritarian anti-protest laws and secure the early release of non-violent civil disobedience activists.
There was also a call to expand the work of the Defend Our Juries campaign and spread publicity for the historic right of juries to ‘acquit on their conscience’ in trials where no legal defences are permitted and the jury has not been able to hear the whole truth – the scientific or historic evidence that motivated the action of protesters on issues such as climate or genocide.
At the rally, Chris Packham called for a recorded meeting with the new Attorney General, Richard Hermer, which was backed by Clive Lewis MP and others, along with a petition signed by tens of thousands to date.
The judge openly described the harshness of the sentences as a deterrent to peaceful protest, and lawyers expressed concern that it sends a dangerous signal when peaceful protesters are imprisoned for as long or even longer than those engaged in violent disorder.
Tomorrow, a range of protest groups are organising a family-friendly rally at midday in Parliament Square, which will end in time for people to attend the planned Palestine peace march.
If the government’s plan, backed by out of touch judges like Christopher Hehir, was that severe prison sentences would deter action in the face of climate breakdown, they were wrong. As innocent people continue to die across the planet, and scientists reveal ever more terrifying research, action is inevitably increasing. Currently there is almost daily disruption at airports despite the threat of prison.
Tim Crosland reads statement by UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst
