Movements are standing up to governments in the courts! The goal of this monthly bulletin is to gather some of the many court cases, calls for solidarity and resources, or trainings across Europe. Help us spread the word and ask your friends to sign up here.

NB: We know this is only a small selection, if you have any news, solidarity call out or resource you want us to include in the next bulletin – don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

NEWS & COURT CASES

UK

Al-Haq Organization and Global Legal Action Network are taking the UK government to the High Court over continued weapons exports to Israel, despite the ongoing violations of international law and UK rules which demand an immediate halt of all export licences. Read more about how you can support and join their demo on May 12th on Instagram.

Norway

Victory for People against Polluters! The Norwegian Supreme Court has reinstated a ban on the development of three oil and gas fields in the North Sea as a result of an appeal by Greenpeace Nordic and Natur og Ungdom (Young Friends of the Earth Norway). See more on Instagram or their Press Release

Netherlands

Reclame Fossielvrij wins against the fossil fuel industry’s appeal meaning the Hague’s ban on fossil advertising holds up! The ruling means that the court has rejected all arguments of the travel industry and that the ban on fossil advertising in the local ordinance remains in force. This means the way is now open for other municipalities to follow The Hague’s example. See more on Instagram

Turkey

The Turkish government escalated crackdowns on peaceful protest with a protest ban and arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is now the leader of the opposition. Protests continued throughout the week, with thousands now detained, including journalists. Bandwidth restrictions have been reported on X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Denmark

Danish climate activist acquitted for acting in necessity to prevent destruction of nature! In the first time since 1993, a Danish climate activists gets acquitted in court, for having acted in necessity in two instances, evading charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct. Read more on instagram

SOLIDARITY & CROWDFUNDING

Hungary

Amnesty International launches Let Pride March campaign in support of Budapest Pride. On 8 March, Hungary’s Parliament swiftly passed a law that effectively bans Pride marches. This law targets LGBTI visibility, falsely labeling it as harmful to children, and gives authorities the power to ban Pride events, fine participants, and imprison organisers. It also allows for the use of facial recognition technology to track participants, putting privacy at risk and spreading fear. We must stand up against these unjust restrictions and demand that the Hungarian authorities uphold the right to peaceful protest and ensure the 28 June Budapest Pride march can take place without intimidation or violence.

Urgent Action (UA): Hungary: Let Pride March Freely – Amnesty International

Email-to-target action: Let Pride march in Hungary – Amnesty International

Sweden

Help the youth sue the Swedish state – Again. In 2022 a group of young people sued the state for its inaction on climate change – after pushing their case all the way up to the Supreme Court in February they were denied standing – but the court left the door open for an association to sue the state on the same grounds. So they are launching their lawsuit again as an association! Support Aurora on their fundraiser and learn more on Instagram.

RESOURCES & EVENTS

After last months webinar “The Rising Threat of SLAPPs to Climate Action: How to Prepare and Fight Back” – by our friends at CLIDEF, they have shared several interesting resources on SLAPP lawsuits a few of our favourites include:

• Article 19: New global report: How are courts responding to SLAPPs?
• Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE): Guidebook on how to prevent and respond to SLAPPs and How SLAPPs increasingly threaten democracy in Europe
• Protect the Protest: Guide for Activists on Reducing Exposure to SLAPPs