The British ecological organization Just Stop Oil, known for its controversial actions such as throwing soup on the painting “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh at the National Gallery, has announced that it will end its flashy protests by the end of April.
Campaign Results
Just Stop Oil stated that their demand to stop oil and gas exploitation has now become government policy. They have positioned themselves as one of the most successful civil resistance campaigns in recent history.
Although they will cease their street protests, they will continue to defend their cause in court, where several of their activists are being prosecuted.
Reactions and Support
Greenpeace praised the impact of Just Stop Oil, highlighting the “high price” paid by their activists, who face fines, probation, and prison sentences.
In early March, the prison sentences imposed on ten of their activists were confirmed, including those who threw soup on Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.”
The London Court of Appeal reduced the sentences of six other activists, including five who had been convicted and imprisoned for planning a highway blockade.
Famous Actions by Just Stop Oil
Just Stop Oil gained fame for several impactful actions. Some of them included throwing soup on Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Sunflowers” at the London National Gallery, as well as protests at sporting events such as the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone or during the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Future of the Organization
“This is the end of soup on the Van Goghs, painting with cornstarch-based paint [that disappeared with rain] on the prehistoric site of Stonehenge, and street demonstrations. But this is not the end of trials, fines, probation, and years in prison,” the movement wrote in their statement.
The organization has confirmed that they are working on a new project, although they have not provided details. They will continue to denounce the UK’s anti-protest laws and defend their activists in court.
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