Activists Charged for Stonehenge Protest Damage

Two environmental activists, Rajan Naidu and Niamh Lynch, have been charged with damaging the Stonehenge monument by spraying it with orange powder during a Just Stop Oil protest in June. The protest aimed to draw attention to climate issues and involved using fire extinguishers to spray the stones, which English Heritage swiftly cleaned. The pair face charges of destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument and causing a public nuisance and are scheduled to appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on December 13. Just Stop Oil, known for its disruptive demonstrations, claimed responsibility, emphasizing their demand for the UK to cease fossil fuel extraction by 2030. Authorities have urged restraint in public commentary to ensure a fair trial for the accused. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and highlights ongoing tensions around environmental activism and heritage conservation.