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Referred to as an ‘intimidation lawsuit’ by Greenpeace, Shell has filed one of the biggest ever legal cases against the environmental organisation. The potentially multi-million dollar action is over a peaceful protest organised by Greenpeace.
In January 2023, the organisation’s activists boarded a Shell oil platform that was located near the Canary Islands. They occupied the vessel for 13 days. According to Greenpeace, the vessel that was boarded by the activists would be part of a project that is “expected to yield the equivalent of 45,000 barrels of oil per day”.
Shell is seeking compensation for various damages, including those associated with shipping delays, additional security measures, and legal fees.
The lawsuit was preceded by an offer made by Shell to Greenpeace. The oil giant was prepared to settle for $1.4 million, provided that Greenpeace activists would not protest again at any of Shell’s oil and gas infrastructure. However, Greenpeace countered that it would only agree to such an offer, if Shell abides by a Netherlands’ court order, which required the company to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels.
Shell told Reuters, “The right to protest is fundamental and we respect is absolutely. But it must be done safely and lawfully.” Greenpeace itself however states, “these aggressive legal tactics, the huge sums of money and attempts to block the right to protest pose a massive threat.” Greenpeace furthermore holds that this lawsuit is part of a trend where corporations crush peaceful protest through intimidation.
In early November, it was reported that Greenpeace is currently awaiting the particulars of claim. These must be filed within 14 days, so it is likely that Greenpeace is now fully aware of the claims made against them and is strategizing its next steps.
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