London, United Kingdom - January 29, 2025 More than a thousand demonstrators blocked the Strand outside the Royal Courts of Justice on January 29, rallying in support of 16 Just Stop Oil activists appealing lengthy prison sentences. Inside, legal arguments challenged what campaigners call “draconian” punishments, totaling 41 years, imposed between July and September 2024. The convicted activists were sentenced in the wake of a government-commissioned report by ‘Lord Walney,’ a lobbyist for oil and arms interests, which called for groups like Just Stop Oil to be treated as terrorist organizations. Police arrested at least two people—one before the protest and another afterward—while high-profile figures including Chris Packham and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall joined demonstrators in blocking traffic. Solidarity protests erupted in Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and New Zealand as barristers argued the activists’ cases in court. Defense lawyers contended that the sentencing ignored legal precedents, the activists’ motives, and their rights under European human rights law. The ruling could signal a shift in criminal sentencing, with concerns that climate activists are being treated more harshly than past protest movements. Meanwhile, Just Stop Oil vowed continued resistance. A spokesperson declared, “You can lock us up, but more will take our place as the climate crisis worsens.” The appeal hearing is expected to conclude today, January 30.