Watch as Just Stop Oil eco-zealots line London streets to serenade jailed activists
WATCH NOW: Just Stop Oil eco-zealots line London streets to applaud jailed protesters
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Just Stop Oil activists have lined the streets in Southwark to applaud two of their fellow demonstrators as they were carted off to prison.
Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland have been jailed for causing "idiotic criminal damage" to the "priceless" Van Gogh painting Sunflowers in October 2022.
Plummer received two years for criminal damage and three months for a separate "slow marching" offence. Holland was given 20 months in prison for criminal damage.
Justice Hehir said the pair of Just Stop Oil protesters had been responsible for a "great deal of disruptive and illegal protest".
Just Stop Oil protesters lined the streets in Southwark in support of Plummer and Holland
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He told Southwark Crown Court: "Despite what you said about not wishing to reoffend, your pre-sentence report indicates a certain lack of remorse. This additional requirement will give you a chance to reflect and reconsider your outlook.
"Each of you claimed to care about ‘Sunflowers,’ I reject that. You couldn’t have cared less if the painting was damaged or not. It is a 17th century antique Italian frame, in a simple rustic style. It was purchased in 1999 for £6,500.
"The frame was chosen because it was the sort of frame that Van Gogh would have favoured. The frame was permanently damaged by your idiotic actions."
Gathering outside the Southwark court in support of Plummer and Holland, several Just Stop Oil members surrounded the building and lined the streets as they awaited the verdict of the two protesters.
Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland threw soup over the infamous Van Gogh painting Sunflowers in October 2022
Just Stop Oil
As their prison van left the court, their vehicle was met with a lined street of applauding Just Stop Oil members, who clapped and cheered for Plummer and Holland as they were driven to prison.
In a video shared by GB News reporter Charlie Peters, the group can be heard screaming, cheering and even chanting "we love you" in support.
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Speaking before the sentencing, Holland said: "We do not expect justice from a broken system that has been corrupted by its dependence on fossil fuels. Prison sentences, no matter how long, will not deter us.
"We will not stop calling for an end to all extraction and burning of fossil fuels; if Keir Starmer wants to prove that he is a better Prime Minister than the last six Tory Prime Ministers, he will hear these calls and act upon them."
Speaking in mitigation, Plummer said: "My choice today is to accept whatever sentences I receive with a smile, knowing that I’ve found peace in doing what I can to prevent countless millions of innocent people suffering and dying.
"I’ve found peace in acting on my conscience."
Plummer and Holland were applauded as they were driven to prison
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In a statement, Just Stop Oil said: "The two sentenced today join a further 12 who are currently serving sentences and 11 who are on remand for peaceful acts of civil resistance to demand an end to fossil fuels in the UK.
"As the nation grapples with these immediate consequences of climate change, those advocating for urgent action are being silenced and imprisoned.
"Just Stop Oil is working with an international network of groups to demand our governments establish a legally binding treaty to stop extracting and burning oil, gas and coal by 2030, as well as supporting and financing other countries to make a fast, fair, and just transition.
"This can be accomplished by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and seeking a negotiating mandate to establish the treaty."
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