WThree climate activists have been sentenced to suspended sentences for a life-threatening protest at the Formula 1 race in Silverstone in the UK last year. Three other members of the Just Stop Oil group must do community service, a court in the English city of Northampton ruled on Friday.
Judge Neil Garnham said he recognized that activists acted out of concern for climate change. However, the carefully planned and “reckless” route invasion was a deliberate violation of the law, which the activists carried out despite warnings from the police.
In July 2022, several protesters rushed onto the track as the race slowed after a violent accident with a red flag. “Just Stop Oil” emphasized that there was a “meticulous” safety plan for the action. The prosecution emphasized that the climate protectors had “risked an imminent threat of serious damage”.
Five people entered the circuit and were quickly taken into custody by security forces and marshals. A sixth activist was arrested in the parking lot after glue, zip ties and a banner were found on him.
A 22-year-old man and 24-year-old woman who taped themselves to the frame of a Vincent van Gogh painting in London days before the Silverstone incident have been sentenced to 12 and six months’ imprisonment, respectively, suspended for two years became. A 40-year-old woman also received six months probation. The court also sentenced three men, ages 22, 30 and 47, to “community order,” which is usually charitable work or curfews.
