Just Stop Oil Activists Sentenced for Van Gogh Soup Incident
Two Just Stop Oil climate activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, were sentenced to 20 months and two years in prison, respectively, for throwing tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" at the National Gallery in London. The judge, Christopher Hehir, stated that the painting could have been "seriously damaged or even destroyed" by the soup.
Plummer and Holland had pleaded not guilty to the charges of criminal damage and aggravated trespass. They argued that their actions were a necessary protest against the continued use of fossil fuels, which they believe are driving the climate crisis.
Greenpeace UK's co-executive director, Will McCallum, called the sentence "a draconian and disproportionate punishment for a protest that caused minor damage to a picture frame." He argued that the activists' actions were justified and that they should not be punished for standing up for a liveable planet.
Just Stop Oil is a climate activist group that aims to end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. They have staged a number of high-profile protests in recent years, including targeting the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the British Open golf tournament, and art galleries and museums.
The group argues that climate change poses an existential crisis for humanity and that its direct tactics are justified. They believe that the government is not doing enough to address the climate crisis and that their actions are necessary to raise awareness and force change.
The sentencing of Plummer and Holland has sparked debate about the role of protest in addressing climate change. Some argue that their actions were justified and that they should not be punished for speaking out against the climate crisis. Others argue that their actions were reckless and could have caused serious damage to a valuable work of art.
12 Comments
Eugene Alta
This shows the desperation we're facing because of the climate crisis. Our leaders need to finally wake up and take real action. 🌎
Katchuka
This is just the beginning. More and more people will join the movement until we finally get the change we need. ✊
KittyKat
It's time for people to get uncomfortable and understand the real cost of our inaction. This is just a taste of what's to come if we don't change course. ⚠️
Noir Black
They deserved the sentence. Actions have consequences, and they chose to act recklessly and damage priceless artwork. ⚖️
Katchuka
They are not criminals, they are climate warriors fighting for our survival. We should stand with them, not condemn them. 🤝
Pupsik
This is not about the soup, it's about sending a message. We cannot stand idly by while fossil fuel companies destroy our future. ✊
Marishka
The history books will remember them as heroes who helped to save the planet. Let's stand with them now and be part of the solution. ✊
Muchacho
They are making people talk about climate change. This is what was needed to break through the climate apathy. 🗣️
ZmeeLove
The damage to the painting is nothing compared to the damage we're doing to the environment. We risk losing everything if we don't take drastic action. 🌎
Mariposa
Shame on Greenpeace for supporting these reckless acts. This isn't activism, it's juvenile delinquency. 👎
Muchacha
They didn't attack the painting itself, only the protective layer. There was no real risk of permanent damage. 🙏
Habibi
This is just another example of climate activists using violence and intimidation. It's time for them to stop. 👊