Environmental Activists Arrested for Painting Stonehenge Orange
Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, has been defaced with orange paint by environmental activists from the group Just Stop Oil. The incident occurred on June 19, 2024, just one day before the summer solstice, a significant event at Stonehenge where thousands of visitors gather annually.
The activists, identified as Niamh Lynch, 21, and Rajan Naidu, 73, were arrested by UK police after spraying an orange substance, claimed to be a washable cornflour-based paint, on the ancient stones. The group stated that their actions were intended to demand the next UK government to commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the public and various media outlets. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a “disgraceful act of vandalism” to one of the world’s oldest and most important monuments.
Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Britain’s most visited tourist attractions. The monument consists of a circular arrangement of large standing stones set within earthworks. It is believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC and is aligned with the movements of the sun.
The summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is a significant event at Stonehenge. Thousands of people gather at the site to celebrate the occasion, with many staying overnight to witness the sunrise the following morning.
The defacement of Stonehenge has sparked outrage among the public, with many calling for stronger action against the Just Stop Oil activists. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of such protests in bringing about meaningful change.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus now turns to the upcoming general election in the UK, where climate change and environmental policies are expected to be key issues. The Just Stop Oil group has vowed to continue its protests, demanding more aggressive action from the government to address the climate crisis.
