21 climate activists fined for blocking traffic

A group of climate activists will not escape fines because they disturbed road users on roads and motorway exits in North Zealand. The court in Lyngby fined all 21 people on Friday. The court has rejected their claim that they should not be punished because they acted in self-defense due to the climate crisis. The court states this on its website.

The actions took place from November 2023 until March this year both on Strandvejen and at exits 17 and 18 on Motorring 3. Motorists during rush hour were delayed when the activists stood on the roadway or simply sat down. During the case, a number of police witnesses have been questioned, and the activists have also given their statements.

The defendants spoke about the right to demonstrate and also referred to self-defense and emergency law due to the extensive climate crisis. But the judge has concluded that the actions are not without penalty. The Traffic Act and the Order in Council have been violated. The fines are set at between 1250 kroner and 8300 kroner, depending on how many incidents the defendants participated in. Just over half had their fines reduced because they have low incomes. Activists from the movement called Nødbremsen have regularly delayed road users. This happened as late as Friday morning near Copenhagen.

/ritzau/