The French government has taken decisive action against a prominent climate activist group, Uprisings of the Earth (SLT), due to their frequent engagement in violent demonstrations. A decree issued on Wednesday officially dissolved the organization, citing violent clashes with police earlier this year as a key factor in the decision.
SLT has denounced the shutdown, claiming it infringes upon human rights and freedom of speech. Their legal representative plans to challenge the government's action in court. Various figures, including the head of the French Human Rights League and climate activist Greta Thunberg, have also expressed concerns about the decision, framing it as a broader attack on freedom of expression and the environmental movement. Thunberg joined SLT supporters in Paris to voice her opposition.
Demonstrators using rock throwers against riot police during a protest in Sainte-Soline, France, on March 25, 2023. (Photo by Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Greta Thunberg at a press conference in Paris on June 21, 2023, contesting the dissolution of SLT. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin defended the government's stance, characterizing SLT's actions as "eco-terrorism" and highlighting the "extreme violence" displayed against law enforcement. He accused the group of promoting sabotage and property damage under the guise of environmental protection. The government’s decision follows significant clashes between protestors and police, including a major incident in Sainte-Soline over an irrigation project. Thousands of protestors and police officers clashed, resulting in injuries on both sides, including two protestors left in comas and around 30 police officers injured. The French Human Rights League alleges that police used excessive force, including rubber bullets, tear gas, stun grenades, and explosive sting-ball grenades, against demonstrators. This incident and other clashes prompted the U.N. to advise the French government to review its policing tactics.
Protesters clashing with riot police during a demonstration in Sainte-Soline. (Photo by Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
An injured demonstrator being evacuated during a protest in Sainte-Soline. (Photo by Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
