The Vatican Court of Appeals confirmed the suspended sentences for two climate activists on Tuesday. The art student (25) and the nurse (62) glued themselves to the pedestal of the world-famous Laocoon statue in the Vatican Museums in August 2022 (see video above).
They wanted to draw attention to the consequences of global warming. The centuries-old group of figures is one of the main attractions of the museum. The activist and the activist from the group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) were sentenced by a Vatican court last June to nine months in prison and to pay 28,148 euros in damages and 3,500 euros in additional costs. This was confirmed today, Tuesday, by the court of appeal.
“Completely disproportionate”
The group called the ruling ‘completely disproportionate’ because the statue suffered no lasting damage. It also contradicts Pope Francis’ call for the international community to take action on the climate crisis.
In recent months, the Last Generation has repeatedly made the news, not only in Austria, but also in Italy, for example with a color attack on the Trevi Fountain in Rome. The Italian government wants to take tough action against climate activists in the future. Three weeks ago, the Chamber of Deputies passed a bill that provides for strict penalties for people who pollute, destroy or damage sights.
Fines of up to 60,000 euros are expected. The new law, approved in July, aims to prevent vandalism against works of art, Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said.
Source: Krone
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