An original copy of the Magna Carta at the British Library in London was smashed by two environmental activists on Friday. The incident caused minor damage to the reinforced box, but thankfully, the historic document itself remained unscathed.
A pair of protesters from Just Stop Oil, a group known for its disruptive campaigns to end the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, took a hammer and chisel to the case, making a resounding statement.
Video footage that has been shared online captures the Rev. Sue Parfitt, 82, and Judy Bruce, an 85-year-old retired biology teacher, bravely holding up a sign that reads “The government is breaking the law.” They then proceed to attach themselves to the display, as a powerful act of protest.
In a joint statement, the duo emphasized their intention to draw attention to the perils of climate change through their actions.
According to Parfitt, the Magna Carta holds significant reverence due to its historical importance, its role in safeguarding our freedoms and laws. However, he warns that if we do not address climate breakdown and prevent the impending catastrophe, we risk losing our freedom, lawfulness, and rights.
The Metropolitan Police in London has reported that two individuals have been taken into custody.
The security team at the library took action to protect the Magna Carta case from further damage. The Magna Carta is a significant document in the history of Western democracy.
The library has announced that the Treasures Gallery will be closed until further notice.
This incident showcased yet another instance of public vandalism targeting renowned works of art and historic artifacts.
In January, two climate activists from the Food Riposte group made a bold statement by pouring soup on the protective glass of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. This act of protest aimed to draw attention to the urgent issue of climate change. Surprisingly, this was not the first time that the iconic painting by Leonardo Da Vinci was targeted. In 2022, a man disguised as an elderly lady in a wheelchair caused a commotion by smearing cream cake on the artwork. These incidents serve as reminders of the power of art to provoke and inspire action.
In October 2023, London authorities arrested five activists from Just Stop Oil for their disruptive actions during a performance of Les Misérables in the West End. These protesters boldly took the stage, holding vibrant orange banners that declared “The show can’t go on,” interrupting the powerful song “Do You Hear the People Sing.” Demonstrating their determination, they even fastened themselves to parts of the set using bicycle locks. Notably, the group had previously targeted the renowned painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, the Netherlands, back in October 2022.
In 2022, two climate activists made a unique statement by throwing mashed potatoes at Claude Monet’s “Les Meules” and subsequently attaching themselves underneath the painting at Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany. Fortunately, the painting remained unharmed despite the incident.
Climate activists made a bold statement last year by turning the water of Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain black. This powerful act was a protest against the fossil fuel industry, capturing the attention of many.
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