Criminalisation of climate protesters in UK is counterproductive, research finds
Summary
A study of climate protesters in the UK found that punishing peaceful activists with arrests and fines can backfire by making them more determined to take part in disruptive protests. The research suggests that harsh punishments may push some activists toward secretive actions like sabotage instead of public demonstrations.Key Facts
- The study surveyed 1,300 climate activists who take part in direct action protests in the UK.
- Arrests, fines, and prison sentences may increase activists' willingness to protest rather than stop them.
- Protesters who experienced repression felt less afraid and more ready to protest again.
- Activists who had not been repressed either became more motivated or more fearful, affecting their future actions.
- About 17% of climate protests in the UK from 2019 to 2024 led to arrests, higher than the global average of 6.3%.
- Experts say criminalising protests can alienate people from the government and lead to more radical or covert actions.
- The UK government says it supports peaceful protest but must prevent serious disruption or disorder.
- The findings were published in the journal Nature Climate Change and involved Extinction Rebellion members.
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