Two Italian climate activists from the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) group were given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay nearly €30,000 (approximately $32,300) in damages for glueing themselves to the base of a statue in the Vatican museum last year.
Published: undefined
Guido Viero and Ester Goffi glued themselves to the marble base of the museum's timeless Laocoon statue last August.
Published: undefined
The statue depicts sea serpents crushing the mythical priest while he was trying to warn the Trojans against accepting the Greek-gifted wooden horse.
Published: undefined
Last Generation and other similar climate groups mostly rely on pulling similar stunts to raise climate awareness. They argue that provoking a strong reaction is an effective form of protesting.
Published: undefined
Published: undefined
The Vatican City State Tribunal sentenced on Monday Goffi and Viero to a suspended nine months in prison and a €1,620 fine.
Published: undefined
They were also ordered to jointly pay €28,148 in damages, and €1,000 in legal costs.
Published: undefined
A third activist was slammed another suspended sentence; a €120 penalty.
Published: undefined
The group announced the verdict on Tuesday, saying it would appeal.
Published: undefined
Published: undefined
The group condemned the sentence as "exaggerated," saying it refuses to acknowledge the "dramatic nature of the situation that motivates all our protests."
Published: undefined
Ultima Generazione accused the Italian government of "incentivizing" fossil fuel companies which in turn it said were "bringing increasing devastation" to communities and natural and artistic heritage.
Published: undefined
It also said the protest meant to "highlight what the pope has written and advised," thus accusing the Vatican of hypocrisy.
Published: undefined
Pope Francis has been outspoken about his commitment to environmental concerns, regularly stressing the need to preserve the planet for future generations.
Published: undefined
Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram
Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines
Published: undefined