Two Just Stop Oil activists smashed the glass of the Rokeby Venus painting at the National Gallery in London on November 7.

The activists, Hanan, 22, and Harrison, 20, utilized safety hammers to shatter the glass covering the artwork, evoking the famous actions of suffragette Mary Richardson in 1914.

They were both arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

The vandalised artwork, by Diego Velazquez in the 1600s, was previously slashed by suffragette Mary Richardson in 1914.

This footage was filmed and produced 6 November 2023.

In a bold demonstration demanding the immediate cessation of all new oil and gas projects in the UK, two young supporters of the "Just Stop Oil" movement vandalized the Rokeby Venus painting. Hanan, 22, and Harrison, 20, utilized safety hammers to shatter the glass covering the artwork, evoking the famous actions of suffragette Mary Richardson in 1914.

Standing in front of the damaged painting, the protesters conveyed their message to the gallery and the public: "Women did not get the vote by voting; it is time for deeds not words. It is time to Just Stop Oil." They emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, stating, "New oil and gas will kill millions. If we love art, if we love life, if we love our families, we must Just Stop Oil."

The Rokeby Venus, which suffered damage during the suffragette movement, bears historical significance as a symbol of resistance to government actions. Mary Richardson had slashed the painting in protest of the imprisonment of Emmeline Pankhurst.

A spokesperson for the Just Stop Oil movement referenced the suffragette movement's influence on their actions and called for collective participation in their cause, stating, "We invite everyone to join us."

Hanan Ameur, one of the demonstrators, explained the motivation behind their protest, saying, "Over 100 years ago, the suffragette Mary Richardson attacked the Rokeby Venus portrait for the unjust imprisonment of Emmeline Pankhurst. Today I have used similar methods in the fight for climate justice."

Harrison Donnelly, another protester, stressed the efficacy of civil resistance, citing Emmeline Pankhurst's words: "The suffragettes are proof these methods work to achieve social change." He expressed their determination to stand against what they perceive as government inaction on climate change.

The protest comes in the wake of recent arrests and house arrests of climate activists, who are demanding change and expressing their concerns over the government's stance on oil and gas projects. The demonstrators have vowed to continue their march until the government takes decisive action to halt all new oil and gas initiatives in the UK.