Full Breakdown
Legal Disparities in Climate Protest Convictions: The Case of Just Stop Oil
11/5/2025, 9:13:13 PM
Convictions and Acquittals of Just Stop Oil Activists
Six activists from the climate group Just Stop Oil (JSO) were convicted of public nuisance after an eight-day trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The activists, who participated in a protest on the M25 motorway in November 2022, were denied the opportunity to present a "reasonable excuse" defense or climate facts to the jury, a right afforded to other activists acquitted for similar actions. The convictions carry a maximum sentence of ten years, with sentencing scheduled for next month. In contrast, three other JSO activists involved in the same protest were found not guilty at Guildford Crown Court, where the judge allowed them to argue their defense and present agreed climate facts.
Disparities in Judicial Treatment
The handling of the two cases has raised concerns about judicial consistency. Adelheid Russenberger, one of the convicted activists, highlighted the disparity in treatment, stating, “It was just a complete disparity in how the judges treated the case.” Raj Chada, a criminal defense attorney, criticized the courts for not adequately protecting the right to free speech, suggesting that the inconsistency undermines the legal framework surrounding protests.
Context of Anti-Protest Legislation
The convictions come in the wake of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (PCSCA), which has been criticized for limiting the right to protest. Judge Perrins, presiding over the Southwark trial, ruled that the subjective belief of the defendants could not constitute a reasonable excuse under the act, stating that allowing such defenses would prevent any convictions for public nuisance. This ruling has sparked debate over the implications of the PCSCA on civil liberties.
Voices from the Activists and Supporters
Following the verdicts, JSO spokesperson Mel Carrington expressed that judges denying juries the right to assess the justification of protest actions are acting "anti-democratically and immorally." Ruth Ehrlich from the human rights group Liberty called for a review of the anti-protest laws, citing evidence that they are not fit for purpose.
Acquittal of Activists at Stonehenge
In a separate incident, three JSO activists were acquitted of criminal damage after dyeing the stones of Stonehenge in June 2024. The jury at Salisbury Crown Court found that the protest did not cause lasting damage, and the defendants argued their actions were protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. The acquittal was seen as a significant affirmation of the right to protest, with activist Rajan Naidu stating, “Life and survival before greed and profit! We need a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty right now.”
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Future Implications
Despite the acquittals, the JSO movement announced the end of its direct action campaign in March 2025, following a commitment from the UK government to halt new oil and gas extraction projects. However, the group has pledged to continue supporting those facing politically motivated prosecutions and to maintain focus on the climate crisis. The legal landscape surrounding climate activism remains contentious, with ongoing challenges to anti-protest laws and the implications for future activism.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The differing outcomes of the trials raise questions about the application of the law and the protection of protest rights in the UK. While some activists have faced severe penalties, others have been acquitted under similar circumstances, highlighting a potential inconsistency in judicial proceedings related to climate activism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[Judges who] deny juries their right to determine whether or not our actions were justified are not protecting the public. They are acting anti-democratically and immorally.” — Mel Carrington, JSO Spokesperson
- “The government must review its anti-protest laws in light of the mounting evidence they aren’t fit for purpose.” — Ruth Ehrlich, Liberty
- “Life and survival before greed and profit! We need a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty right now.” — Rajan Naidu, Acquitted Activist
