Stonehenge Protest : A member of the climate action group Just Stop Oil has told a UK court that there was “no harmful intention” behind the controversial protest at Stonehenge, where activists sprayed the ancient monument with orange powder.
The protest, which took place on June 19, 2024, just a day before the summer solstice celebrations, drew worldwide attention and fierce criticism. The defendants — including activist Rajan Naidu, 74 — were charged with causing damage to a protected ancient monument and public nuisance. But in testimony at Salisbury Crown Court, Naidu said the act was entirely peaceful and designed to raise awareness about the climate crisis, not to deface one of the world’s most iconic heritage sites.
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What Happened at Stonehenge
During the protest, two activists approached the prehistoric stones and sprayed them with orange-colored powder, later identified as a mixture of cornflour and non-toxic dye. The group said the action symbolized the urgency of halting fossil fuel extraction and the environmental “staining” caused by continued oil and gas projects.
Videos shared on social media showed plumes of orange dust drifting across the stones as police arrived and arrested the protesters. Within hours, the images had spread globally, sparking outrage from heritage organizations, political leaders, and members of the public.
“It Was Peaceful, Not Reckless” — Activist Statement
In court, Naidu explained that the goal was not to damage the stones but to draw attention through a symbolic, non-destructive act.
“There was no harmful intention in what we did. It was entirely peaceful and done out of concern for humanity’s future,” Naidu said.
He added that the powder used was harmless, biodegradable, and easily washable — emphasizing that they deliberately avoided using any materials that could cause permanent harm.
No Visible Damage Found
Following the protest, English Heritage, the charity responsible for managing Stonehenge, confirmed that no visible damage was found after cleaning.
A spokesperson said:
“The orange powder was carefully removed and we are relieved that there is no visible harm to the monument. However, we remain concerned about the potential risks such actions pose to delicate surfaces and ancient lichens growing on the stones.”
Despite the absence of physical damage, the organization said that entering restricted zones and applying substances to the stones could still constitute a criminal offense under heritage protection laws.
The Legal Case
Prosecutors have argued that the protest constituted criminal damage and public nuisance, regardless of the activists’ intent. They say the act caused distress to visitors, disrupted access to the site, and disrespected a UNESCO World Heritage monument.
The defense, however, contends that the action falls under the protection of peaceful protest and freedom of expression. Naidu’s statement that he “did not come across as dangerous” was a key part of the defense argument, highlighting the symbolic — not destructive — nature of the protest.
The trial continues at Salisbury Crown Court, with verdicts expected later this year.
Climate Activism and Public Backlash
Just Stop Oil has gained attention for its disruptive yet high-profile campaigns targeting government inaction on fossil fuels. From blocking roads to interrupting sports events, their tactics often polarize public opinion.
While some sympathize with their climate message, others argue that targeting cultural landmarks crosses ethical lines. Following the Stonehenge protest, several environmental leaders expressed concern that such acts may alienate potential supporters and overshadow the urgent environmental message.
Nonetheless, the group maintains that non-violent civil resistance remains one of the few ways left to force meaningful climate action.
Why Stonehenge Matters
Built more than 4,500 years ago, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most visited and spiritually significant archaeological sites. It has survived centuries of weathering, tourism, and even earlier acts of vandalism — and remains a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and cultural heritage.
The recent protest reignited debate about balancing the right to protest with the responsibility to protect shared heritage. Experts say the case could set an important precedent for how courts treat environmental activism involving historic monuments.
Conclusion
While the Just Stop Oil activists insist that their Stonehenge protest carried “no harmful intention,” the incident has sparked a broader discussion about protest ethics, heritage protection, and the limits of activism.
No visible damage may have been done to the stones — but the event left a lasting mark on public opinion, reminding the world of both the fragility of our planet and the controversy surrounding how best to defend it.
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