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Just Stop Oil activists jailed for Manchester airport protest London, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 Four Just Stop Oil activists, including the climate group's co-founder, were jailed Tuesday by a UK court for attempting to enter and glue themselves to the tarmac at Manchester Airport. The four environmental activists were convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance in February by a criminal court in Manchester, northwest England. Indigo Rumbelow, 31, co-founder of JSO -- which ended its activities last month after three years -- was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Daniel Knorr, 23, was jailed for two years, while Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Elizabeth Reid, 54, were jailed for 18 months each. They were arrested by police in August 2024 equipped with bolt cutters, glue and sand, "on route to cause disruption", according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which brings criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. "This was a targeted attack, at the height of summer, against one of the country's busiest airports, where they planned to glue themselves to the taxiways of the airport," Nicola Wells from the CPS said following the sentencing. Before the sentencing, Knorr said: "People are taking action because they are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids." In March, Just Stop Oil announced it was ending high-profile climate protests, saying it had accomplished its initial aim of stopping new oil and gas projects in the UK. The group, which became known for its stunts including activists blocking roads, or gluing themselves to landmarks and paintings, has criticised lengthy sentences handed down to its members. More than 3,000 JSO protesters have been arrested since it was founded in 2022. Its other co-founder, Roger Hallam, is currently serving a four-year sentence for planning to block the M25 motorway encircling London. |
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