A North Dakota jury has ruled against Greenpeace, finding the organization liable for defamation and trespassing linked to their protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline. Energy Transfer, the pipeline’s developer, was awarded about $660 million in damages, which Greenpeace argues threatens free speech. The case highlights the conflicts between corporate interests and advocacy efforts, with Greenpeace planning to appeal. Concerns arose over limiting the rights of peaceful protestors as Energy Transfer stresses accountability for any unlawful actions during the protests.
I think Energy Transfer, and this is probably true of many big oil companies, is trying to send a message to other organizations that if you try and hold power to account, we will try to silence you. We will try to bankrupt you.
The jury decision should be cause of concern to people who participate in peaceful protest, who organize advocacy efforts, who show up in solidarity.
Peaceful protest is an inherent American right; however, violent and destructive protest is unlawful and unacceptable.
The decision represents reckoning and accountability for Greenpeace.
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