By Ben Kerrigan-
Greta Thunberg, the 20-year-old climate activist known for her unwavering dedication to addressing climate change, has found herself facing a public order offence charge following her arrest during a Fossil Free London protest.
Thunberg’s arrest is connected to her involvement in a demonstration against the Energy Intelligence Forum event, which took place outside the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane.
The event attracted oil industry executives who were scheduled to convene for discussions on Tuesday.
A total of 27 protesters were arrested during the demonstration, and 26 individuals, including Greta Thunberg, are now facing charges, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish national and global symbol of youth-led climate activism, has been released on bail, with her trial scheduled for November 15.
The Metropolitan Police invoked Section 14 of the Public Order Act on Tuesday to impose conditions on the protesters. The purpose of these measures, according to the police, was to “prevent serious disruption to the community, hotel, and guests.”
Officers requested the activists to relocate from the road to the pavement to continue their protest. Those who failed to comply with this request were subsequently arrested.
The charges brought against the protesters vary, with 21 individuals charged with failing to comply with the orders to move off the road and five charged with obstructing the highway.
Charged: Greta Thunberg
Fossil Free London’s protest coincided with the commencement of the three-day Energy Intelligence Forum, formerly known as the Oil and Money conference.
The event featured prominent figures in the oil industry, including executives from Shell and Total.
During the protest rally, Greta Thunberg addressed the gathered crowd, expressing her dismay at the proceedings within the Oil and Money conference.
She claimed that “behind these closed doors at the Oil and Money conference, spineless politicians are making deals and compromises with lobbyists from destructive industries – the fossil fuel industry.”
Thunberg passionately conveyed that people worldwide are suffering and dying due to the consequences of the climate crisis caused by these industries. She criticized the privileged access these industries have to political leaders.
The protest effectively disrupted traffic in London, with dozens of demonstrators blocking Hamilton Place, near Park Lane. Many protesters carried banners, pink umbrellas adorned with painted eyes, and voiced slogans such as “oily money out” and “cancel the conference.”
Additionally, some individuals ignited yellow and pink smoke flares to underscore their environmental concerns.
Greta Thunberg’s arrest and subsequent charges once again highlight her dedication to raising awareness about climate change and demanding accountability from the fossil fuel industry.
Her trial in November is expected to draw considerable attention and reignite conversations about the urgent need to address climate-related issues on a global scale.