Two climate activists, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, were sentenced to prison for throwing soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting in London during a protest against fossil fuels. Plummer, 23, received a two-year sentence, while Holland, 22, was sentenced to 20 months.
They belong to the protest group Just Stop Oil, known for its disruptive actions opposing fossil fuel use. Their sentences are part of a broader crackdown on climate activism in the UK, fueled by controversial laws aimed at curbing disruptive protests, even when peaceful.
Despite these penalties, Just Stop Oil continued its protests shortly after the sentences were handed down. Three more activists from the group threw soup at two other Van Gogh paintings in the National Gallery’s Poets and Lovers exhibition, the same location as the original 2022 protest. The persistence of the group highlights their commitment to drawing attention to the climate crisis, even in the face of legal consequences.
Two Just Stop Oil Activists Sentenced to Prison for Van Gogh Protest Amid Growing Crackdown on Climate Activism
The two activists were convicted of criminal damage for throwing soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” though the painting itself was not harmed due to a protective glass covering. However, the protest caused significant damage to the painting’s golden frame, amounting to over £10,000. In addition to defacing the artwork, the activists glued themselves to the wall, further disrupting the gallery.
During the court proceedings, Judge Christopher Hehir criticized the activists for their reckless behavior, suggesting that they showed no concern for the potential damage to the “cultural treasure.” He stressed that their actions could have permanently harmed the artwork. Plummer also received an additional three-month sentence for her involvement in a 2023 protest that caused traffic delays in London.
The activists’ sentencing has sparked criticism from human rights organizations and environmental advocates. Critics argue that the UK government’s new protest laws are overly punitive and repressive. International voices, including UN rapporteur Michael Forst, have condemned the enforcement of these laws as excessively harsh, drawing parallels between sentences given to climate activists and those for serious crimes such as theft and assault.
