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European Court of Human Rights rules ‘Arctic 30’ were arbitrarily detained
A Victory for Greenpeace and Climate Activism
The European Court of Human Rights has issued its ruling in the case of the “Arctic 30” v Russia, finding that Russian authorities arbitrarily detained the 28 Greenpeace activists and two freelance journalists and violated their right to freedom of expression. This ruling is a victory for Greenpeace and a significant moment for climate activism.
The Arctic 30 were detained in September 2013 on suspicion of piracy after Russian commandos boarded the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise and seized the vessel following a protest against Arctic oil production. The activists spent two months in detention centers before being released on bail and eventually freed altogether.
Sergey Golubok, legal counsel for the Arctic 30, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its importance in a time when authorities around the world are cracking down on climate activists. He stated, “The European Court of Human Rights is sending a clear signal to European states that defending the environment is desirable and people’s right to protest must be protected.”
A Clear Signal to Defend Environmental Activism
The court’s ruling acknowledges the necessity of climate activism and recognizes that it is “an expression of opinion on a matter of significant social interest.” Greenpeace Netherlands climate and energy campaign lead, Faiza Oulahsen, stated that the ruling comes at a critical moment when people are rising up against the fossil fuel industry, which is contributing to the climate crisis.
Courts and governments must prioritize the protection of people and nature, rather than allowing the interests of big polluters to prevail. Greenpeace International Executive Director, Mads Flarup Christensen, emphasized the vital role of peaceful protest in addressing the multiple crises affecting people and the planet. He noted that the court’s decision serves as a reminder that peaceful public protest is a right that authorities must fully respect.
Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters
The ruling comes amidst a wave of harsh measures taken against peaceful environmental protesters. In the UK, climate activists were sentenced to three years in prison for scaling a bridge, while in Germany, an activist received a five-month sentence for blocking a road. In the Netherlands, Extinction Rebellion activists have also faced “preventative arrests.”
These examples underscore the importance of the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling in protecting the rights of climate activists and their ability to peacefully express their concerns and advocate for change.
Russian Ban on Greenpeace International
It is worth noting that last month, Russian authorities designated Greenpeace International as an “undesirable organization,” leading to the closure of Greenpeace Russia after 30 years of environmental work in the country. Greenpeace International condemned this ban as an “absurd, irresponsible, and destructive step” in the face of global climate and biodiversity crises.
Russia’s exclusion from the Council of Europe in 2022 did not affect pending cases, including the Arctic 30. This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable, even when they are outside the jurisdiction of supranational bodies.
A Call to Uphold Environmental Activism
The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling in favor of the Arctic 30 is a significant victory for climate activism and a reminder to governments worldwide of the importance of protecting the rights of peaceful protesters. It is essential that authorities recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and take proactive steps to address it, rather than suppressing dissenting voices.
Greenpeace and other climate organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness and demanding action to combat the environmental challenges we face. The efforts of these activists should be supported and respected, as they are fighting for the well-being of our planet and future generations.
As we navigate the complex issues surrounding climate change and the protection of our environment, it is crucial to strike a balance between addressing the concerns of activists and ensuring a just and sustainable future for all. It is hoped that this ruling will serve as a catalyst for further discussion and action on climate justice, ultimately leading to more robust protections for both the environment and those who advocate for its preservation.
<< photo by Centre for Ageing Better >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.