Renowned climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has come to the defense of climate activists who are currently facing prosecution in court, emphasizing that it is crucial to recognize the real enemy. Thunberg herself appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court to deny allegations of breaching the Public Order Act 1986 during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on October 17th.

Accompanied by two Fossil Free London protesters and two Greenpeace activists, who also pleaded not guilty to the same offense, Thunberg delivered a statement outside the courthouse. She expressed concern over the prosecution and conviction of climate, environmental, and human rights activists worldwide who act in accordance with scientific findings. Thunberg urged everyone to consider who they are defending and the purpose behind the laws meant to protect them.

In her statement, Thunberg highlighted the consequences of deliberate destruction and sacrifice of resources, which adversely affect humanity and future generations. She cautioned that history's judgment against those responsible will not be merciful.

During the court proceeding, it was revealed that Thunberg had received a "final warning" from the police prior to her arrest. Superintendent Andrew Cox, the most senior Metropolitan Police officer present at the demonstration, informed the court that despite repeated requests, the protesters refused to vacate the area. The gathering near the hotel had disrupted access for the public, making it nearly impossible for them to enter or exit.

As the protest continued, preventing the majority of people inside the hotel from leaving and others from entering, Superintendent Cox stated that he had no choice but to impose a section 14 condition. This directed the protesters to continue their demonstration on the pavement to the south of the hotel. Individual protesters, including Thunberg, were personally informed about the section 14 condition by officers.

Prosecutor Luke Staton revealed that Thunberg had been warned by one officer that failure to comply would result in her arrest. Despite the warning, Thunberg insisted on staying where she was, leading to her eventual arrest.

Amidst Thunberg's arrival at court, she encountered environmental protesters demonstrating in solidarity with the defendants. They displayed large yellow banners reading "climate protest is not a crime" and carried cardboard signs questioning the true criminals behind the environmental crisis.

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, commended Thunberg for her peaceful climate protests and criticized the charges against her and the other activists. Deshmukh expressed concern about the use of expanded police powers to suppress legitimate protests in the UK.

The court proceedings involving Thunberg and her co-defendants have drawn attention to the increasing tension between climate activists and law enforcement agencies, sparking broader debates about the balance between protest rights and public order concerns.