London, England—British police arrested two environmental activists on Wednesday after they sprayed orange paint on Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest England.
The activists, affiliated with the group Just Stop Oil, were seen wearing branded T-shirts as they sprayed at least two of the ancient megalithic stones with orange powder paint made from cornstarch. Their action was a demand for the UK’s next government to legally commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.
English Heritage, the charity managing Stonehenge, expressed deep concern over the incident. “This is extremely upsetting, and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage,” the organization stated on social media platform X. Despite the vandalism, Stonehenge remains open to visitors.
The protest drew swift condemnation from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called it “a disgraceful act of vandalism to one of the UK’s and the world’s oldest and most important monuments.” He added, “Just Stop Oil should be ashamed of their activists.”
Just Stop Oil has gained prominence in the UK for its disruptive environmental protests. The group has previously shut down major roads, disrupted cultural and sporting events, and even targeted artworks to draw attention to their cause. They are advocating for the British government to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030 to combat climate change.
The incident at Stonehenge highlights the escalating tensions between environmental activists and authorities amid growing global concerns over climate change. It raises questions about the balance between civil disobedience and the preservation of cultural heritage.
As climate activism continues to gain momentum worldwide, the events in the UK resonate with global audiences, including those across Asia, where environmental issues are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse. The actions of groups like Just Stop Oil reflect a broader urgency to address environmental challenges on an international scale.
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UK police arrest pair after Stonehenge sprayed with orange paint
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