UK: new measures to halt 'disruptive' protests
The UK government on Jan. 16 introduced amendments to the pending Public Order Bill to change the definition of "serious disruption," broadening the range of situations in which police in England and Wales may act to stop protests. Police will not need to wait for disruption to take place to shut down protests under the proposed measures. The amendments would also create a new criminal offense for interfering with "key national infrastructure." The amendments are clearly aimed at activist groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain.
Through the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Act 2022, the government already created a statutory offense of "public nuisance," created powers for the police to place restrictions on "unjustifiably" loud protests, and increased the sentences for obstructing highways. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sat down with the Home Secretary and police chiefs in December to give a clear message that the Government expects protesters who disrupt the lives of others to be removed and arrested.
From Jurist, Jan. 16. Used with permission.
UN expert condemns crackdown on UK environmental protests
UN expert Michel Forst published a letter Jan. 23 detailing his concerns on the treatment of environmental protestors in the UK. Forst condemned the "severe crackdowns" on protestors, including the prison sentences issued, the bail conditions, and restrictions on peaceful gatherings. (Jurist)
UN expert condemns crackdown on European environmental protests
The UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders issued a position paper Feb. 28 urging European nations to stop the state repression of environmental protest and to live up to their obligations under the Paris Agreement to cut global warming. (Jurist)
UK rights group challenges legality of restrictions on protest
The UK government acted unlawfully in instating increased police powers to impose conditions on peaceful protests, human rights organization Liberty claimed in court on Feb. 26. The law in question, the Public Order Act, had been improperly pushed through Parliament by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman in January 2023, despite being rejected by Parliament only months before. (Jurist)