The right to peaceful protest – acquittal of extinction rebellion protesters by Magistrates’ Court

Jack Harries and 8 others “glued” their hands to the doors of the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane London in protest at the International Petroleum Conference taking place inside the hotel.

They were tried over 5 days on charges of aggravated trespass and criminal damage. The prosecution had to drop the criminal damage charge after cross-examination of the first witness.

On 9th of October 2019, the Deputy Chief Magistrate found Mr. Harries and 4 others not guilty of the remaining charge, aggravated trespass. Those convicted were sentenced to conditional discharges for 12 months. Kirsty Brimelow QC led the arguments on the protections and rights to peaceful protest.

Kirsty Brimelow QC represented Jack Harries instructed by Mike Schwarz of Bindmans Solicitors.

Read and watch more about this case in the wider media here, here, here & here