Just Stop Oil protesters jailed after UK motorway (M25) blocked
Five Just Stop Oil activists received jail sentences for causing chaos on the M25 motorway in November 2022. Their protests aimed to block the road, leading to significant disruptions and legal repercussions.
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Five environmental activists from Just Stop Oil were sentenced to jail for organizing protests that caused chaos on the M25 motorway in November 2022. The protesters aimed to block most of the M25, resulting in significant driver delays and economic costs. The activists were convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance, with the longest sentence being five years. The judge criticized their actions as crossing the line from concerned campaigners to fanatics. The protests led to missed flights, medical appointments, and exams, as well as collisions on the road. The activists defended their actions as necessary due to the urgency of addressing climate change. The court highlighted the sophisticated planning involved in the protests and the impact on public safety and infrastructure. The activists' supporters faced legal issues during the trial, with accusations of disrupting court proceedings. The case reflects the legal consequences of non-violent direct action against national infrastructure under the new legislation introduced in 2022.
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