Climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg arrived in court today to stand trial for participating in a London protest last year.
The 21-year-old activist was arrested in October 2023 during a protest against the fossil fuel industry.
At the time, Fossil Free London protesters had attempted to block access to the Intercontinental Hotel, where oil executives were meeting.
Thunberg was then arrested under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, according to the Met Police.
In November, Thunberg pleaded not guilty at a Westminster Magistrates’ Court for breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by blocking the entrance to the hotel. The trial taking place this week is expected to last up to two days.
One of many young people taking measures into their own hands to save the planet from environmental disaster, Thunberg appeared resilient as she appeared before magistrates while supporters backed her from outside.
Greenpeace UK campaigner Maja Darlington said: "The prosecution of Greta and other peaceful protesters reflects a Government that cares more about bolstering the profits of oil bosses than fighting for a liveable future for all of us.
"Instead of cracking down on climate activists, the UK Government should force Shell and the rest of the oil industry to stop drilling and start paying for the damage they are causing to our planet and everyone who lives on it."
Why was Greta Thunberg arrested?
The famous campaigner had met with the Fossil Free London group in October to protest a meeting where top oil executives were gathering.
The activist was reportedly seen being led away by police officers before being put into the back of a marked police van.
In a statement, the Met Police said it had imposed conditions on the activists under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, to "prevent serious disruption to the community, hotel and guests", and had asked them to move from the road and onto the pavement.
It said that "a number of protesters failed to do so", which resulted in six arrests for obstruction of the highway, a further 14 arrests for Section 14 breaches and one for criminal damage.
Dozens of protesters had blocked the entrance to the hotel, carrying banners and pink umbrellas with eyes painted on, shouting "oily money out" and "cancel the conference", while some lit yellow and pink smoke flares.
Police were forced to try and help conference attendees make their way through the chanting crowds.
Speaking at the rally, Thunberg said: "Behind these closed doors at the Oil and Money conference, spineless politicians are making deals and compromises with lobbyists from destructive industries - the fossil fuel industry.
"People all over the world are suffering and dying from the consequences of the climate crisis caused by these industries who we allow to meet with our politicians and have privileged access to.
"That is why we have to take direct action to stop this and to kick oily money out of politics."
How many times has Greta Thunberg been arrested?
Thunberg's October arrest was the second time the activist has been arrested, but she has been detained a total of three times – meaning she was removed from a scene.
The first time she was detained was in January 2023, during a sit-in protest of the proposed demolition of an abandoned coal village in Lützerath, Germany.
She was not arrested and was released soon after being removed from the area.
In June 2023, she was officially arrested for the first time in Malmö, Sweden, after she joined in a protest blocking oil tankers. She was arrested for “refusing to obey police command” to leave the scene herself.
The arrest in London is her second arrest and third detainment.
What do we know about Greta Thunberg’s trial?
Thunberg will stand alongside five other activists, who already pleaded not guilty in November.
When she arrived at the court today, she was met with media and environmental protesters who were demonstrating “in solidarity” with the defendants.
The trial taking place this week is expected to last up to two days. No jury will be present during the trial, and Thunberg faces a maximum fine of £2,500 if she’s convicted.
