29th & 30th Jan. 2025: HXR members join 1000 people at Defend our Juries vigil and Exhibition, demanding an end to corruption in lawmaking

Posted by: Hils - Posted on:

On 29th and 30th January, HXR members and scientists joined over a thousand other campaigners, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, in solidarity with the 40+ political prisoners in the UK, who have been imprisoned for taking direct action against the Fossil Fuel and Israeli arms industries in recent months. This includes the ‘Lord’ Walney 16 and JSO/HXR member and GP Dr Pat Hart, recently imprisoned for a shocking 12 months for nonviolent protest.

The event was planned to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s review of the extreme sentences (a total of 41 years) given to the ‘Lord Walney 16′ for nonviolent protest. These sentences sparked international outrage and criticism from the United Nations over breaches of human rights. The timing was chosen as a critical moment not just for these appellants, but for all political prisoners and all those who prioritise democracy and life on earth over corporate profit.

The two day campaign included speeches, music, singing, vigils and poetry and culminated, on 30th, with a 90 minute peaceful Exhibition Action on the road for 90 minutes involving 1000 campaigners representing. Chris Packham, Mark Thomas, Caroline Lucas, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Billy Bragg were all involved over the two days

Find out more:

Defend our Juries

How you can support Dr Pat Hart

Press and social media coverage:

BBC Activists block road by Royal Courts of Justice

The Guardian Hundreds protest in London as jailed climate activists’ appeals are heard

The Independent Sit-down demonstration held amid Court of Appeal challenges to protest sentences

This is what Solidarity looks like: excellent short film about the action, the tension created by the police and everyone’s steadfastness

Ron Fassbender on Instagram

Jamie Bellinger on Instagram

Channel Four 7pm News 30/1/25: DoJ coverage available on catch up

The Cost of Conscience: a short film