France shuts down climate activist group over alleged incitement of violence
France Shuts Down Environmental Activist Group, Sparking Controversy
Baku, June 23 – The French government has announced the shutdown of the environmental activist group Les Soulevements de la Terre (SLT), citing their involvement in armed protests and violent actions. This move has triggered criticism from opposition parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), according to Reuters.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has repeatedly referred to SLT’s actions as “eco-terrorism” in recent months, accusing some activists of displaying “extreme violence against police forces.”
A government decree justifying the shutdown stated, “Under the pretence of defending the conservation of the environment… this group encourages sabotage and material damage.”
The decree specifically mentioned protests that led to clashes with the police, such as the demonstrations against a farm reservoir in western France in March and a rail link in the Alps just last week.
SLT lawyer Raphael Kempf criticized the decree, arguing that it infringes on freedom of expression and targets speech rather than actions. Kempf stated that they would challenge the decision in court.
Human rights groups have characterized this move as part of a broader government crackdown on green interest groups. They point to heavy-handed policing of protests and the arrests of activists as evidence of this trend.
Patrick Baudouin, the head of the French Human Rights League (LDH), remarked, “It’s part of a wider trend. For the past few months, there have been attacks on several freedoms – freedom of protest, expression, and association – that primarily affect the ecological movement.”
Activist Florian Lemerle told Reuters that regardless of the government’s decision, SLT is too vast a group to be effectively dissolved. Lemerle explained, “Les Soulevements are a coalition, consisting of 190 local committees.”
The shutdown of SLT raises concerns about the suppression of environmental activism and the perceived disregard for freedom of expression in France. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the country’s environmental movement and the larger discourse surrounding green issues.
