The trial of the protesters running on the British GP circuit in 2022 has begun
The activists from the militant group "Just stop Oil" who invaded the Silverstone race track during the British GP on July 3, 2022, have been on trial since yesterday in Northampton.
After a pile-up during the first lap of the Grand Prix, another incident could have turned into a tragedy. The race had just been stopped after a spectacular accident involving several cars when 5 protesters entered the track. While some were subdued by security, the others were seen carrying out a sit-in at the spot where the cars were supposed to pass if the red flag had not been waved a few seconds earlier.
This has triggered strong reactions within the paddock. Everyone has the right to express themselves on issues, but nobody has the right to endanger lives. The actions of a small group of people today were completely irresponsible and dangerous, stated the CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, on the British channel Sky Sports.
The six protesters, five who entered the racetrack and another one, have been on trial since Wednesday at the Northampton court for the criminal offense of public nuisance. They all belong to the group “Just stop oil” which is committed to climate protection.
Several videos are made available to the judges, including one showing the single-seaters of Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda passing by the protesters still seated on the track or being evacuated from it.
“It is clear that they could have been struck by vehicles moving at a high speed, with obvious serious consequences,” stated prosecutor Simon Jones.
The defendants continue to deny the charges. The trial continues today.
