Story perspectives
Activists Acquitted for Dyeing Stonehenge, Cite Protest Rights
11/5/2025
1 of 1
Story summary
- Just Stop Oil activists Luke Watson, Rajan Naidu, and Niamh Lynch were acquitted of criminal damage for dyeing Stonehenge in orange.
- Salisbury Crown Court found them not guilty, citing protection under the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Naidu called for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
- Judge Paul Dugdale noted difficulty balancing protest rights and heritage.
- English Heritage noted no visible damage but distress among supporters.
