“Unpacking the Criminalization of Environmental Protesters: What You Need to Know” | World News – Times of India

In late 2024, a group of protesters in Newcastle, Australia, made waves by blocking a coal ship from entering the world’s largest coal port. They were part of Rising Tide, an activist group aiming to tackle the urgent climate crisis fueled by fossil fuels. These “climate defenders” are calling for an end to new coal, oil, and gas projects.

Their protest lasted over 30 hours, leading to the arrest of around 170 activists. They face hefty fines or even jail time due to a strict anti-protest law passed in 2022. This law targets protests that disrupt major public spaces like roads, tunnels, and ports. The New South Wales government argues that previous laws didn’t sufficiently punish disruptions that could harm the economy.

Zack Schofield, a spokesperson for Rising Tide who also got arrested, believes that these laws primarily target climate activists. He noted that such protests are seen as a threat to fossil fuel companies and their profits.

### Stricter Laws on Climate Activism

Australia isn’t alone; similar laws have emerged worldwide. For instance, in the UK, the revised Public Order Act empowers police to manage public protests more aggressively. A recent incident involved activists from the group Just Stop Oil being sentenced to several years in prison for causing a public nuisance on a major UK motorway.

According to a study from the University of Bristol, Australia has the highest rate of climate protest arrests among democratic nations, with one in five protesters facing imprisonment. Even Tasmania has joined the trend, imposing severe penalties for protesting logging practices.

### Global Crackdown on Dissent

Countries worldwide are cracking down on protests. In Germany, activists have been charged as “criminal organizations” under laws meant for gangs. This strategy reflects fears among authorities that climate protests could disrupt industry and economy.

The situation is dire for many activists. Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) have grown, compelling activists to defend themselves in court against massive fines. For example, Greenpeace was recently ordered to pay over $660 million for its role in an oil pipeline blockade in North Dakota, USA.

### The Cost of Speaking Out

The risks for environmental defenders can be life-threatening. Between 2012 and 2023, over 2,000 were killed while advocating for environmental protection. Countries like Brazil and the Philippines are noted hotspots for such violence, highlighting a troubling trend in silencing dissent globally.

Experts like Oscar Berglund emphasize the link between stricter protest laws and corporate interests, arguing that these measures aim to protect fossil fuel profits rather than public safety. In the case of new laws, it often appears that politicians prioritize economic stability over the right to protest.

### Are These Laws Effective?

The rise of stringent anti-protest laws raises questions about their effectiveness. For instance, while protests garner public attention and sometimes prompt government action, harsh penalties may deter future activism. Activists like Schofield plan to challenge these legal repercussions, as many current laws may disproportionately target legitimate dissent.

As climate change takes center stage, the push for more stringent regulations shows no signs of slowing. The debate continues on whether such laws are necessary for maintaining order or simply tools of oppression against environmental advocates.



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