Following the imprisonment of JSO and Extinction Rebellion co-founder Roger Hallam for conspiracy to block the motorway in November 2022, five JSO protesters have also been sentenced for their involvement in M25 protests that led to the closure of the motorway and widespread traffic disruptions. The activists climbed the gantries of the motorway during a protest that aimed to create mass disruption for media attention, according to Judge Shane Collery.
The protesters, including recent graduates, students, and retirees, were sentenced to between one year and eight months and two years in prison. The judge criticized their actions as disproportionate to their aims and emphasized the impact on people’s lives being disrupted. Despite not being the organizers, the defendants were willing volunteers in the protests.
The protests involved activists climbing gantries supporting overhead signs, causing a collision involving a police motorcyclist and two lorries. The actions led to an officer’s injury and significant traffic delays. George Simonson, Theresa Higginson, Paul Bell, Gaie Delap, and Paul Sousek were among those sentenced to jail terms, while Daniel Johnson received a suspended sentence, acknowledging his potential for rehabilitation.
The sentencing of the JSO protesters came shortly after the imprisonment of Roger Hallam and four other activists for conspiring to cause public nuisance by blocking the M25. The protests resulted in substantial economic costs and driving delays, prompting Judge Christopher Hehir to criticize the defendants for crossing the line from concerned campaigners to fanatics.
In a separate incident, two JSO activists faced jail time for throwing soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” causing damage to the painting’s frame. Judge Hehir warned the defendants of potential prison sentences and highlighted the severity of their actions.
Overall, the protests and subsequent legal actions underscore the challenges posed by environmental activism and the need to balance advocacy with lawful behavior. Please rephrase this sentence.
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