District judge John Law dismissed the case against the 21-year-old Swedish campaigner and four other activists on the second day of their trial in London. In his ruling, Law said the conditions imposed on protesters were “so unclear that it is unlawful”, which meant “anyone failing to comply were actually committing no offence”.
Greenpeace UK campaigner Maja Darlington hailed Friday’s verdict as “a victory for the right to protest”.
She added: “It is ridiculous that more and more climate activists are finding themselves in court for peacefully exercising their right to protest, while fossil fuel giants like Shell are allowed to reap billions in profits from selling climate-wrecking fossil fuels.”
🔥 BREAKING 🔥
Case against @GretaThunberg thrown out by the judge & @metpoliceuk criticised for imposing “unlawful” conditions!
CLIMATE PROTESTORS ARE NOT THE CRIMINALS https://t.co/z7WzyznpAM
— Extinction Rebellion UK 🌍 (@XRebellionUK) February 2, 2024
The charges against Greta Thunberg and 4 other climate activists have now been thrown out. Peaceful protest is a human right and must be respected ✊ #ProtectTheProtest pic.twitter.com/uRVpVYWy3G
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) February 2, 2024