Extinction Rebellion activists face sentencing for A12 highway blockade

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has demanded 120 hours of community service and a one-month suspended prison sentence for six Extinction Rebellion activists. The group is accused of blocking the A12 motorway near Utrecht on April 25.

During the court proceedings in Utrecht, evidence showed that three vehicles were stopped across the main lanes and three others blocked an exit from the A2 to allow activists to enter the highway from the roadside. The demonstration had been previously prohibited by the Mayor of Utrecht.

The activists argued that their actions were a necessary response to the climate crisis and maintained that they conducted the blockade in a controlled, safe manner that did not obstruct emergency services. However, prosecutors stated that the demonstrators crossed legal boundaries, creating dangerous traffic situations and showing contempt for public authority.

Rijkswaterstaat is seeking nearly 35,000 euros in damages resulting from the incident. Several of the defendants had previously faced legal issues related to other demonstrations.