Dear John
On Friday, gold medal Paralympian James Brown was sentenced to 12 months in prison. This was due to his action at London City Airport in October 2019 where James climbed onto a plane to raise the alarm about the climate and ecological emergency.
James knew he risked a custodial sentence, and thanks to generous donations we made sure he had access to expert legal advice from some of the best protest-experienced lawyers. But the court dismissed the legal arguments and handed a sentence more severe than we could have anticipated.
Who benefits from this harsh sentence? Our judiciary is failing us by making an example of a peaceful protester, bravely putting their liberty on the line for the climate emergency.
Raj Chada of Hodge, Jones and Allen Solicitors, who acts on behalf of Extinction Rebellion UK, said:
“We are shocked that James has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. James, registered blind and a gold winning paralympian at 5 games, should not be in prison for taking part in this protest. This is a dangerous judgment for our right to free speech, our right to protest and for those who campaign on environmental issues. We will be appealing this sentence.”
We will continue to support James throughout this appeal. As well as helping James, a donation will ensure other rebels can be provided the legal support they need. Will you stand with us?
This is Extinction Rebellion’s first custodial sentence. There may well be more.
Thank you once again to those who continue to support the fund. Despite the disappointment of Friday's outcome, your continued generosity is making a difference, and means so much to the rebels you are supporting.
Love and rage.
Francesca
XRUK Legal Support team
