Greenpeace Ordered to Pay $345M Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protest
North Dakota court finds environmental group liable for defamation and other claims brought by energy firm over pipeline protests.
In a high-profile legal battle, a North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay a staggering $345 million in damages over its role in the protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. The case stems from the environmental group's vocal opposition to the controversial oil pipeline project, which it claimed posed serious risks to the local environment and Native American communities.
According to court documents, Judge James Gion has ruled that several Greenpeace entities are liable for defamation, trespassing, and other claims brought by the pipeline company, Energy Transfer. This figure represents a reduction from the original jury award, which was around $650 million.
The legal battle has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with Greenpeace adamantly defending its actions as legitimate protest and advocacy work. The group contends that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, effectively punishing them for exercising their right to free speech and peacefully oppose a project they believe was harmful.
Source: The Guardian
