Environmental protesters hurl colored powder at Stonehenge monument: Two individuals apprehended by authorities
Protesters' antics at Stonehenge gain viral traction online. Activists, in an attention-seeking move, hurled T-shirts branded "Just Stop Oil" onto at least two of the ancient sandstone blocks and splashed them with orange-tinted cornstarch, claiming it'd disappear with the rain. Two individuals were apprehended by the police in Wiltshire County, alleged for damaging the historic site. The investigation reportedly carries on.
With Britain's surprise general election on July 4 approaching, political maneuvering is in full swing. The current Conservative Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, decried the environmental activists' disruptive demonstration at the World Heritage Site as a "despicable act of vandalism against one of the oldest and most renowned monuments in Britain and globally". He accused "Just Stop Oil" of having no shame over its protesters.
The environmental organization justified their action by explaining that they picked the day before the Solstice Festival around the Stonehenge stones for the demonstration. The opposition Labour Party, predicted to win the election according to polls, has pledged to cease issuing new oil and gas licenses. However, they believe this is not sufficient. Instead, the incoming government, faced with the "dire repercussions" of the worsening climate crisis, should legally commit to phasing out fossil fuel energy by 2030.
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The viral video of the incident at Stonehenge sparked heated debates on social media. Despite the initial controversy, some netizens expressed support for the activists' cause, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
The incident also influenced the political discourse, with the issue of environmental preservation and climate change becoming a significant topic in the upcoming parliamentary election in Oxford.
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, a group of locals organized a peaceful protest in solidarity with the activists, calling for stricter environmental regulations and more investment in renewable energy sources.
Conversely, some environmental groups criticized the activists' use of color powder, believing it contributes to pollution and potential harm to the Stonehenge monument in the Southwest of England.
The police in Wiltshire are now considering charging the apprehended individuals under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Despite the ongoing controversy and legal proceedings, the call for climate action continues to resonate across Great Britain, with many environmental activists planning future protests leading up to the general election in England.
In response to the activists' actions, the government has reiterated its commitment to preserving Britain's heritage sites while pushing for sustainable energy solutions, recognizing the delicate balance between environmental protection and societal progress.
