- Thunberg arrested at London protest
- Received “final warning” before arrest
- Trial involves five activists
The 21-year-old Swedish activist was arrested last October during a protest near a Mayfair hotel while oil executives were meeting inside. The hotel was the venue for the event.
According to evidence presented at Greta Thunberg’s trial, she received a “final warning” before her arrest for immobilising during a demonstration in central London.
On 17 October last year, in the vicinity of the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair, the 21-year-old environmental activist participated in a protest while oil executives gathered inside the establishment for a meeting.
Four other activists, including Thunberg, are currently on trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
At 7:30 a.m. on protest day, police advised protesters to move to give spectators access, the court heard.
Prosecutor Luke Staton stated that shortly before 10:30 a.m., two protesters “were gradually abseiling down the side of the building” after gaining access to the roof.
Around 12:30 p.m., a section 14 constraint restricted the protest to the pavement south of the hotel.
Police said the “majority” of guests were unable to leave and enter the hotel, making the action “necessary” to prevent unrest.
In court, Mr. Staton said that Swedish campaigner Thunberg was warned by one police before a “final warning” from another.
Mr. Staton stated that she was arrested after declaring that she was remaining where she was.
On Thursday, two Greenpeace activists and two Fossil Free London (FFL) protesters appeared in court for trial. Each had pleaded not guilty to violating the Public Order Act in November.
On Thursday, environmental protesters displayed banners outside the court. The banners read “Who are the real criminals?” and “Climate protest is not a crime,” expressing “sympathy” with the defendants.
The court was informed that, despite receiving similar notice of the section 14 condition, the remaining defendants did not move to the designated protest area.
“The Crown’s case is that all five of these defendants participated in a public assembly,” stated Mr. Staton.
All of them knew or should have known about a section 14 condition, yet they didn’t comply.
Thunberg took notes throughout the hearing.
The trial continues, expected to last two days.
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