(USNewsMag.com) – Greta Thunberg won’t be sent to jail despite being convicted of defying police during an environmental protest.
According to Sydsvenskan, a Swedish newspaper, the climate activist was convicted of the offense—which took place in June—during her appearance at Malmo District Court on Monday. The offense cost the 20-year-old about $144 in fines and another $96 to the Swedish Fund for Victims of Crime.
Thunberg said her actions are justifiable since we are in an emergency that threatens the lives of countless people. She also commented that fighting against the fossil fuel industry is a “form of self-defense.”
On June 19, in Malmö, Thunberg and other youth activists from Reclaim the Future were accused of not following a police order to disperse after obstructing road access to an oil terminal. Police carried Thunberg away for obstructing the road and displaying a sign that said, ‘I block tanker trucks.’
The sentencing did not deter Thunberg and the Reclaim the Future activists from returning to the oil terminal to stage another roadblock in the afternoon, which led to their eventual removal by the police.
Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg began her climate crusade at age 8, persuading her parents to reduce their carbon footprint by “upcycling,” becoming vegan, and giving up flying.
In 2018, at age 15, she started sitting outside the Swedish Parliament holding a sign that read “School Strike for Climate,” an action that earned her recognition. Along with a small group of young people, she founded the Fridays for Future movement, which rapidly spread worldwide. The group’s mission is to guarantee equity and justice regarding climate change.
Despite the pandemic, Thunberg continued to participate in climate protests and speak at international summits, pressing world leaders to address the climate crisis.
Politicians such as Kamala Harris, Beto O’Rourke, and Bernie Sanders have all given support to Greta’s efforts. She was listed in Time‘s 25 most influential teens of 2018.
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