A sit-down demonstration took place outside the Royal Courts of Justice. Activists protested against the sentences of climate protesters currently appealing their convictions.

London: A big crowd gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice. They staged a sit-down protest while the Court of Appeal looked at the sentences of climate activists.
The Strand was closed as people sat outside the court. Many held pictures of 16 activists who are appealing their sentences from climate protests.
Defend Our Juries, a campaign group, sent a letter to the judges. They said the protest aimed to highlight issues with democracy and the rule of law, not to cause trouble.
Police were present but no one was arrested. The protest wrapped up around 1:45 PM, and most people left peacefully.
Those appealing their sentences received jail terms ranging from five years to 15 months. These sentences were for their roles in protests held by Just Stop Oil between August and November 2022.
A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil called the jailed activists “political prisoners.” They believe these activists were punished for threatening fossil fuel profits.
Lawyers argued that the sentences were too harsh and violated human rights. They said the activists acted out of conscience and should be treated differently.
Some activists received long sentences for climbing onto gantries over the M25. Others were jailed for occupying tunnels leading to an oil terminal in Essex.
Two activists even threw soup on a famous painting at the National Gallery. Their lawyer argued that their actions were a form of sacrifice for a greater cause.
Environmental groups like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace UK are also involved in the case. They believe the sentences threaten democracy.
The judges will announce their decision later. Everyone is waiting to see what happens next.