Six Extinction Rebellion protesters have been found guilty of blockading a national newspaper printing press in a demonstration that cost publishers more than £1million. The demonstrators were convicted of obstructing the highway, with Judge Sally Fudge adding that while the demonstration was 'peaceful' it had a significant impact on the ability of businesses to function. The court heard around 50 XR members used vehicles and bamboo structures, used as lock-ons, to deny access to or from the Broxbourne site. However, Judge Fudge said she found police had 'maintained their operational independence' and that Ms Patel's conversations with senior officers had not influenced decisions taken on the ground. In a statement after the hearing, an XR spokesperson said: 'We are astonished that Judge Fudge ruled there was no political interference in the police operation, despite overwhelming evidence.

Source: The Nation July 16, 2021 15:00 UTC