Protesting for Change: From the Arctic to the Amazon

Peaceful Protests in the Face of Suppression:

The Story of the Arctic 30 and Global Climate Activism

Nothing can truly prepare someone for the loss of freedom, as witnessed by friends and colleagues during their unjust imprisonment on charges of piracy and hooliganism. Their crime? Peacefully protesting against the use of fossil fuels. This story of the Arctic 30, a group of activists and journalists detained by Russian authorities in 2013, highlights the growing trend of governments taking harsh actions against climate activists around the world.

A Peaceful Protest in the Arctic

The Arctic 30, consisting of 28 activists and two journalists from various countries, were detained when Russian commandos rappelled from a helicopter to seize the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. The group had peacefully protested against Arctic oil production at the Prirazlomnaya platform in the Pechora Sea, off Russia’s north coast. Despite President Putin publicly stating that they were not pirates, the Arctic 30 spent two months in detention centers in Murmansk and St. Petersburg.

A Global Crackdown on Climate Activism

The story of the Arctic 30 is not isolated; governments around the world are increasingly taking severe action against climate activists. This includes three-year sentences for scaling a bridge in the UK, five-month sentences for blocking roads in Germany, preventative arrests of Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists in the Netherlands, and the criminalization of protest through anti-democratic bills in the United States. The French government has even dissolved environmental groups, an action previously reserved for serious offenses such as terrorism.

Last month, Russian authorities designated Greenpeace International as an “undesirable organization,” leading to Greenpeace Russia ending its environmental work in the country after 30 years. These actions by governments, such as Russia’s ban on Greenpeace, are irresponsible and destructive in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crises.

Protecting the Right to Peaceful Protest

Reminders from the European Court of Human Rights

The recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Arctic 30 v Russia serves as a reminder that peaceful public protest is a right that public authorities must fully respect. The court emphasized that responses to protests should be proportionate and that freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are protected by law. Governments must recognize and uphold these rights.

The Importance of Peaceful Activism

Peaceful activism becomes vital when governments fail to respond adequately to the urgent challenges of climate change and nature destruction. Disproportionate responses, such as arrests and imprisonment, serve only to intimidate those who stand up against companies and countries causing harm to our planet and future. Failing to prevent violence against peaceful protesters further perpetuates an atmosphere of intimidation.

The Power of Solidarity

Throughout the case of the Arctic 30, solidarity played a crucial role. Almost 2 million people signed petitions calling for their release, and massive crowds participated in marches and created protest art. Civil society allies rallied around Greenpeace as the organization supported the Arctic 30 and their families. This power of solidarity demonstrates the resilience and bravery of the movement.

Shared Security and the Need for Solidarity

Protecting Those Who Speak Out

In a time when colliding crises intensify, security for activists and individuals speaking out against injustice is vital. However, governments often choose to protect polluting industries rather than the people and the planet they represent. As a movement of movements, it is crucial to stand together in solidarity across issues and countries. Drawing on the memory of solidarity demonstrated during the Arctic 30 case, we can create our own sense of security.

A Call for Collective Action

With vast numbers and voices, the movement can provide shared security and come together like never before. The power of solidarity lies in its ability to uplift and support those who fight for justice and environmental protection. As the world faces interconnected crises, such as climate change, it is imperative that the movement of movements remains resilient, unified, and unwavering in its pursuit of a sustainable and just future.

Protecting and upholding the right to peaceful protest is paramount. Governments must recognize that activism is not a crime, but rather a necessary tool in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. With collective action and unwavering support, the movement can continue to advocate for change, protect the planet, and ensure a safer and more just world for all.

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