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An international climate advocacy organization called on President Biden to pardon four activists accused of crimes related to climate protests before he leaves office.
Two of the activists, Donald Zepeda and Jackson Green, threw washable powder paint at the protective case used for the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives in February. They were sentenced to two years and 18 months, respectively, for the crime of destroying government property.
The remaining two, Joanna Smith and Timothy Martin, have been charged with conspiracy to commit an act against the United States and injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit for throwing washable paint into the protective case around the sculpture of ‘Edgar Degas Little Dancer Aged Fourteen in 2023. Smith was sentenced to 60 days in jail and banned from all museums and monuments in the United States, while Martin, whose trial begins this week coming, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Activists have said their actions, which caused no permanent damage, were aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of climate change.
In a statement, Climate Rights International expressed concern that the indictment and conviction of the four activists is part of a wider pattern of harsh charges and sentences for acts of civil disobedience.
“The United States has a long history of peaceful protest, from the suffragettes to the civil rights movement, to address pressing social and political issues,” Brad Adams, executive director of Climate Rights International, said in a statement. “Today’s climate activists operate in this tradition, but have faced ridiculous charges of conspiracy against the United States and disproportionate prison sentences. President Biden should follow the logic of his own calls for climate action and forgive them.
The letter comes after Biden commuted the life sentences of 37 federal death row inmates and granted pardons to 39 others, along with the controversial pardon of his son Hunter on federal tax charges.
