Legal Network Grows as Climate Defenders See Increasing Fines and Arrests

CliDef is supporting local organizers and legal networks that defend climate activists who have been arrested for peaceful civil disobedience challenging fossil fuels in France.

A recent, steady drumbeat of arrests and prosecutions of climate protesters has set off alarm bells for movements organizing in France. Legal experts and partners are concerned that the rise in legal actions by the government could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in a country where the right has historically been protected.

Our Work

As legal repression grows in France, our partner Alternatiba Paris has built a legal team for climate activists and prepared legal support for a coalition of climate activists who protested at the 2023 TotalEnergies General Meeting. Four activists were arrested and charged with two serious offenses.  Should these charges be successful, it could set a dangerous precedent for climate activism in the country.