Two climate activists were detained in the UK for damaging the historic Stonehenge monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with orange spray paint. The action by the “Just Stop Oil” group was described as “shameful vandalism” by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Climate activists spray-paint Stonehenge orange, two detained
The incident happened a day before thousands of people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice. English Heritage, which manages the monument, said the situation was extremely regrettable and the damage was being investigated. Just Stop Oil claimed on social media platform X that the paint used was made from corn starch and would dissolve in the rain.
Wiltshire Police announced that two people have been detained on suspicion of damaging the monument. Police stated that they detained two people at the scene and that the investigation is ongoing. Footage posted on social media showed activists wearing t-shirts with the “Just Stop Oil” logo and spraying orange paint.
The names behind the action were identified as 21-year-old student Niamh Lynch and 73-year-old Rajan Naidu. The Just Stop Oil group said the action was in response to Labor’s recent election manifesto.
The Labor Party had announced that it would stop oil and gas exploration licenses if it won the elections. However, Just Stop Oil argued that this was not enough and that fossil fuels should be completely abandoned by 2030.
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The group said in a statement that continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will lead to the deaths of millions of people. If governments do not take meaningful action, Just Stop Oil supporters will join the resistance.
Let’s talk a little bit about the Stonehenge monument. This Bronze Age monument consists of standing stones, each about 4 meters high, 2 meters wide and weighing about 25 tons. Archaeologists believe that the structure was built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. The action at Stonehenge is seen as part of efforts to draw attention to the climate crisis, but has been harshly criticized by both the public and political leaders. The future of the monument and how the damaged parts will be repaired remains to be seen.
