September saw continued pressure on activists, journalists and civil society across Europe, with new prosecutions, court cases and restrictions on political activism. At the same time, several important acquittals and ongoing legal challenges showed the continued role of solidarity and collective action in defending civic space and climate justice.

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

International

The Autistici/Inventati collective has been active for 25 years, but has now been designated a terrorist organisation and is being shut down. Since 2001 the collective has offered free email, hosting and other tools to activists, and it rejects the accusations entirely.  Read more

Malta

Businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of ordering and financing the murder of the Maltese investigative journalist who was killed by a car bomb in October 2017, has been found not guilty. Previously, the three men who carried out the killing, as well as two others who supplied the bomb, have since been convicted. However, the case is not closed as the prosecution has filed an appeal. Justice for Daphne now depends on the outcome of the appeal. Read more

Spain

11 Greenpeace activists face unprecedented 5-year punishment in Spain for peaceful climate action protesting against fossil gas in Sagunto, Spain.  The trial began today in Valencia with Spain’s Public Prosecutor seeking one of the harshest punishments ever in Europe for peaceful environmental protest  Read more

UK

• Dutch activist Olax was acquitted this week by a jury in unanimous verdict after facing trial for painting a Winston Churchill statue with water-soluble paint. He spent more than a month in prison on remand and had also been blocked from leaving the UK in harsh bail terms. Read more 
• Not guilty! Sarah of the SOAS 2 acquitted in unanimous jury verdict after ‘terrorism’ raid following legal complaint from pro-genocide groups, UK Lawyers for Israel. Sarah had given a speech at her university and was accused, with no evidence, of publicly showing support for Hamas – a crime under the UK Terrorism Act that could see a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Read more

SOLIDARITY AND CROWDFUNDING 

• Ulm5: Crow, Daniel, Leandra, Vi and Zo have now been in custody for over a year, under inhumane conditions. Their comrades urge us to not stop talking about the Ulm 5, and to keep supporting them by attending their court hearings, writing them letters and supporting their families if you can. Read more
• Greta Thunberg and the collective “Aurora Målet” are suing the Swedish state over its inadequate climate policies. However, legal costs  are  expensive, so if you are able to donate or support them in another way, please consider doing so. Video & donation page

RESOURCES & EVENTS

[UK] Defending the right to protest: what the evidence says & what to do next

12 October 2026 – 09:00 – 13:00, Friends House, Euston, London (no online option) 

The crackdown on protest rights has been well documented – but what actually works in defending them is less understood. 

On Monday 12 October, Social Change Lab, Fossil Free London, Amnesty International UK and NEON are bringing campaigners together to share new research on what the crackdown has done to people’s willingness to protest, which public messages work and which backfire, and how to mobilise people to defend these rights.

The day is built around putting findings to use: working sessions on what they mean for your communications, advocacy and mobilising, followed by a screening of a new Amnesty International short film on why the right to protest is worth defending.

When: 12 October 2026, 9:00 – 13:00, followed by a plant-based lunch

Where: Friends House (Sarah Fell suite), 173-177 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BJ Room

Catering: A plant-based lunch, plus tea and coffee throughout.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997571497121

(maximum of 2 people per organisation)

About Legally Green

Since autumn of 2022, the Movement Hub coordinates Legally Green – an informal network of lawyers who support activists across Europe and activist-led legal support groups. The network has over 100 members from over 60 organizations in more than 20 countries in Europe.

The network operates via mailing list and meets bi-monthly to share experience, discuss cases, trends, get help, learn from each other to increase our collective capacities to resist legal repressions. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions, or wish to join the network.