Chris Packham and other prominent figures have spoken out against the long jail terms handed to Just Stop Oil protesters. Five activists were sentenced to up to five years for planning protests on the M25, sparking outrage among those who believe the punishments are excessive. Packham called for a meeting with the attorney general for England and Wales to address what he described as a “grotesque miscarriage of justice.” The activists were accused of violating laws meant to protect fossil fuel companies and stifle peaceful protest, according to critics. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Dale Vince, Clive Lewis, and Jenny Jones joined Packham outside Southwark crown court to condemn the sentencing. Vince, who was previously a donor to Just Stop Oil, labeled the situation a travesty of justice and called for the intervention of the new attorney general. Lewis also expressed urgency in overturning the laws that allowed for the severe punishment of the activists. Bill McGuire, an expert witness whose evidence was not heard in court, criticized the trial as a farce and an assault on free speech. The call for the attorney general to act swiftly in addressing these concerns has gained support from various quarters, including those within parliament. The controversy surrounding the Just Stop Oil case has reignited discussions about the balance between climate activism and the right to protest in the UK.
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