Two Activists Face Charged After Orange Paint Thrown Over Stonehenge in Protest

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Two activists have been charged following an incident in which orange paint powder was thrown over Stonehenge as part of a Just Stop Oil protest, aimed at halting the use of fossil fuels. Rajan Naidu, 73, of Birmingham, and Niamh Lynch, 22, of Bedford, face charges of causing damage to an ancient protected monument, and intentionally or recklessly creating a public nuisance. The pair were arrested in June after dousing the historic monument with orange cornflour powder on the eve of the summer solstice, drawing significant public backlash.

 

Wiltshire Police confirmed the charges, with both Naidu and Lynch due to appear in Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on December 13. Just Stop Oil, the organization behind the protest, stated that the action was intended to pressure the government to cease the extraction and use of oil, gas, and coal by the year 2030.

 

The protest group has increasingly used high-profile demonstrations to bring attention to its demands for environmental reforms. The incident was widely condemned by political leaders and public figures. Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer both voiced disapproval, calling the act unacceptable. English Heritage chief executive Dr. Nick Merriman commented on the impact of the protest, saying, “It’s difficult to understand and we’re deeply saddened about this vandalism, but we’ve been really touched by the messages of sympathy and support we’ve had.”

 

He added that English Heritage's conservation team was quick to respond, as the colored powder on the stones posed a risk if it came into contact with water. “Our experts have already managed to clean the orange powder from the stones,” Dr. Merriman explained, noting that the cleanup was completed with care to prevent any lasting damage.

 

Sophie Stevens, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized Wiltshire Police to charge Naidu Rajan and Niamh Lynch with offences related to damage caused to the protected monument Stonehenge on 19 June 2024.”

 

Related:

Stonehenge Seriously Vandalized by Just Stop Oil Activists, Prompting Arrests and Outrage

 

 

Based on a report by the Standard 2024-11-16