Just Stop Oil Activists Acquitted of Stonehenge Criminal Damage Charges

Three Just Stop Oil activists—Rajan Naidu, Niamh Lynch, and Luke Watson—were acquitted of criminal damage and public nuisance charges after spraying Stonehenge with orange powder during a climate protest in June 2024. The activists admitted participation but successfully argued their actions were protected under human rights law, specifically their rights to freedom of speech and peaceful protest as outlined in Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The powder, composed of cornflour, talc, and orange dye, caused no permanent damage and was cleaned off at a cost of £620. Prosecutors described the act as "blatant and clear vandalism," but the jury found the defendants not guilty, with the judge emphasizing that sometimes non-violent actions, even if normally unlawful, can be lawful to protect protest rights. Defense attorneys and the activists expressed relief, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic protest rights against environmental destruction and fossil fuel dependence. The case underscores tensions between environmental activism and legal boundaries at heritage sites, with the court affirming the right to peaceful protest even when it involves controversial actions near protected monuments.