In protest against the British government’s plans to build new oil fields in the North Sea, two climate activists smashed the safety glass of a well-known painting in a museum. The group “Just Stop Oil” published a video of the action on Monday.
You can see a man and a woman using hammers to damage the protection of “Venus in front of the mirror” in London’s National Gallery. They were arrested. It was initially unclear whether Diego Velázquez’s photo had been hit.
Here you can see the video:
💥 Suffragette painting broken
💀 Our government has unveiled plans for MORE oil licenses, knowing this will kill millions of people. In response, two Just Stop Oil supporters vandalized the Rokeby Venus – which was destroyed by Mary Richardson in 1914.
⏱ Actions, not words: https://t.co/3tlBID7nKA pic.twitter.com/Hk0el26QIt
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 6, 2023
“It’s time for action, not words,” the 22-year-old activist said after the attack, according to Just Stop Oil. The group cited a similar action by British women’s rights activist Mary Richardson, who in 1914 smashed the glass with a carving knife and made several gashes in the painting.
‘Politics is letting us down. She failed women in 1914 and she failed us now,” emphasized the second activist, a twenty-year-old.
Relaxation of environmental regulations expected
Britain’s Conservative government is expected to unveil far-reaching plans on Tuesday to develop new oil and gas reserves. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently relaxed strict environmental regulations.
He touts countless new jobs and stronger energy security. The responsible minister, Claire Coutinho, admitted on Monday that the additional financing projects would not lead to lower consumer prices. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson

I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.