London, UK - October 4, 2023

In a landmark trial at Westminster Magistrates Court on April 18th, five supporters of the Just Stop Oil movement are facing charges for disrupting a performance of the renowned musical Les Miserables in London's West End. Hanan Ameur, Poppy Bliss, Noah Crane, Lydia Gribbin, and Hannah Taylor took action on October 4th, 2023, staging a bold protest demanding an immediate halt to all licensing and consents for new fossil fuel exploration and extraction.

Appearing before District Judge Clarke, the activists recounted their actions during the performance of 'Do You Hear The People Sing?', a pivotal moment in the musical. Carrying orange banners emblazoned with slogans such as 'Just Stop Oil' and 'The Show Can't Go On', they seized the spotlight amidst the crescendo of the song, standing alongside actors bearing revolutionary red flags.

The trial coincides with ongoing extreme weather events globally, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Dr. Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, warned of the consequences of continued reliance on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate the impact of climate change.

As the trial unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the growing momentum of the climate movement and the challenges faced by activists advocating for urgent climate action.