Environment

Vatican court fines climate activists over museum protest

The activists were given a suspended jail sentence and a fine for gluing themselves to the base of a Vatican museum statue

Climate activists protesting in museums. (photo: DW)
Climate activists protesting in museums. (photo: DW) 

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.

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Guido Viero and Ester Goffi glued themselves to the marble base of the museum's timeless Laocoon statue last August.

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The statue depicts sea serpents crushing the mythical priest while he was trying to warn the Trojans against accepting the Greek-gifted wooden horse.

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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.

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What was the sentence?

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The Vatican City State Tribunal sentenced on Monday Goffi and Viero to a suspended nine months in prison and a €1,620 fine.

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They were also ordered to jointly pay €28,148 in damages, and €1,000 in legal costs.

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A third activist was slammed another suspended sentence; a €120 penalty.

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The group announced the verdict on Tuesday, saying it would appeal.

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What did the group say?

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The group condemned the sentence as "exaggerated," saying it refuses to acknowledge the "dramatic nature of the situation that motivates all our protests."

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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.

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It also said the protest meant to "highlight what the pope has written and advised," thus accusing the Vatican of hypocrisy.

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Pope Francis has been outspoken about his commitment to environmental concerns, regularly stressing the need to preserve the planet for future generations.

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