Climate activists' appeals spark mass protest in London


Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, blocking the road and holding placards that proclaimed the 16 jailed climate activists as "political prisoners."

The demonstration was organized by Tim Crosland of the campaign group Defend Our Juries, with over 1,000 people signing up to participate.

The protesters were showing solidarity with the activists, who are serving a combined 41 years in jail for peaceful protests.

The activists, part of the Just Stop Oil group, were convicted of conspiracy to cause public nuisance for blocking the M25 motorway in November 2022.

The protesters argue that the sentences were excessive and that the activists were simply trying to bring attention to the fossil fuel companies' concealment of information from the public. They claim that this is a corruption of democracy and the rule of law.

Broadcasters Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Chris Packham joined the protest, stating that their basic democratic rights to peaceful protest are being eroded.

The Metropolitan police surrounded the protesters but made no arrests, as no serious disruption was caused.

The appeals are being heard by England's most senior judge, with a ruling expected in one to six weeks.

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