A United Nations human rights official has denounced the 12-month prison sentence given to British climate activist Dr. Patrick Hart as “blatantly disproportionate,” reigniting debates about protest rights in the UK. The Bristol GP was jailed in January for damaging 16 fuel pumps during a 2022 Just Stop Oil protest, causing £9,376 in damages.
UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst compared Britain’s protest laws to repressive measures in Honduras and Azerbaijan, noting most European nations would impose fines rather than prison for similar actions. “In France you would receive a small fine, never prison,” Forst stated, threatening to refer the UK to a UN compliance committee unless laws are revised.
The case highlights growing tensions between environmental activism and government crackdowns. While Labour MP Will Stone defended the sentence “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes” Hart maintains his actions were morally justified given the climate crisis. “I am terrified for human civilization,” the imprisoned doctor told media.
The controversy follows toughened protest laws under the previous Conservative government, with critics warning of shrinking democratic freedoms. As climate protests intensify globally, the case tests Britain’s balance between order and dissent.
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