Comment

The right to protest is being undermined

As Walthamstow resident Trudi Warner faces prosecution for contempt of court, friend Juliette Brown writes a letter of support

Credit: Just Stop Oil via Twitter/X

Thank you for reporting on the farcical referral of local hero Trudi Warner to the Attorney General for holding a sign outside court. 

Trudi has been charged with contempt of court, the same charge made against numerous climate and social justice campaigners when they have attempted to explain their actions in court in recent months.

Bizarrely, Trudi’s alleged crime is to hold a sign that mirrors one at the Old Bailey describing the right of jurors to acquit according to their conscience which is a principle of law applicable to all jury trials. They are unable to exercise this right if they are prevented from hearing the motives of defendants.

As increasing numbers of ordinary people are taking peaceful action against government failures on the climate crisis, it seems that Trudi is paying the price for highlighting a pattern of repressive measures taken by judges towards activists. As a member of the local community,  I am overwhelmed by her courage and I hope that as a community we can find a way to show her our support.

 


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