New York Court Orders Climate Activists to “Good Citizen” Classes
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New York, NY – Extinction Rebellion activists appeared in New York County Criminal Court on Wednesday, October 6th, to face charges for their direct action protests against Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citibank, the largest financiers of fossil fuel projects responsible for the climate crisis, which took place on September 17th.
Of the 36 protestors facing charges, 28 were offered a plea deal for either misdemeanor or violation charges - if they pleaded guilty, they would be required to attend “Good Citizen” classes and pay a fine, but the charges would stay on their record for far longer than the customary timeframe. 27 out of 28 refused the deal and have entered a plea of not guilty. Their trial is scheduled for November 10th. Six others had their arraignment postponed and two received an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD).
“Every day, more dire news comes out on how the climate crisis is, and will continue, having disastrous effects on our infrastructure, our ecosystems, and our health,” said Christina See, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion NYC. “The people of Extinction Rebellion are doing their civic duty by demanding banks halt investments in fossil fuels and take responsibility for their role in the climate crisis. The fact that the court is ordering these protestors to “Good Citizen” classes as a response to people non-violently raising the alarm about the climate crisis is laughable. The real truth is that it’s the banks who are committing violence against humanity and life on earth. The arrestees are ordinary people from ages 25 to 80 from every walk of life who are fighting for a livable future. Social breakdown and regional wars over resources are likely to happen if the financing of new fossil fuel projects doesn’t stop now. They’re literally killing us.”
The International Energy Agency said in May that there must be no new oil, gas, or coal development if the world is to reach net zero by 2050. More than 100 Nobel Laureates, including the Dalai Lama, have called on governments to adopt and implement a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. But to date, no United States bank has committed to end financing of new fossil fuel infrastructure, which brings into question whether net zero pledges by world governments and corporations can be achieved.
“Our economic system and consumption of natural resources is out of control. No one wants to be arrested, but as citizens we have a moral duty to protest. Suffering and destruction brought about by decades of ignoring the crisis is already impacting vulnerable communities all around the world. We are taking part in non-violent civil disobedience in order to force governments to uphold the law and rights of all beings: humans, animals, plants, marine life and all other species,” said Presleigh Hayashida, another spokesperson for the group.
Extinction Rebellion uses nonviolent direct action to raise awareness and public support for its demand that governments take the drastic, necessary action to stop further climate and ecological breakdown.
Extinction Rebellion NYC is seeking donations for its legal crowdfunder. For more information on the September 17 action, the press release and photos can be found here.
Extinction Rebellion’s key demands are:
Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.
Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.
Government must commit to a just transition in order to maintain a livable, just planet for all.
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