01/08/2024
The Canary progressive news website has described the recent jailing of activists for peace protest as a "grotesque perversion of justice" The Canary was co-founded by lesbian journalist Kerry Ann Mendoza. The Rainbow Rebellion group, which is the LGBTQIA+ network within the wider Extinction Rebellion movement, takes up the story, and reports "The prisons are full, violent criminals are to be released early, the police are warning of a breakdown in law and order. And yet, almost 200 people have been imprisoned for protesting peacefully since 2019 in this country.... First the judge gagged the protesters from speaking about the climate crisis in court; now the protestors are getting record jail time – literally for discussing a peaceful protest on a video call. This is outrageous, and it sets a dangerous legal precedent attacking civil rights and freedoms – the very rights and freedoms that courts are supposed to protect and uphold! It’s time we show up for these five nonviolent protestors and others to tell the courts and legislators, we will not be intimidated. Extinction Rebellion have co-organised a rally with Defend Our Juries, Just Stop Oil, and Fossil Free London. Bear witness to injustice, and sharpen your resolve to Upgrade Democracy. Here are the demonstration details:
Parliament Square
Sat 3rd August from 12-2pm
Bring signs saying: You can’t lock up the truth, Free the Whole Truth Five, Stop Jailing Truthtellers.
