Protest in the Vatican

Suspended sentences for climate activists confirmed

Members of the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) during their pasting campaign in the Vatican Museums in August 2022(Bild: AP)

The Vatican Court of Appeal confirmed the suspended sentences for two climate activists on Tuesday. The art student (25) and the nurse (62) had glued themselves to the pedestal of the world-famous Laocoon sculpture in the Vatican Museums in August 2022 (see video above).

They wanted to draw attention to the consequences of global warming. The ancient group of figures is one of the museum's main attractions. The activist and the activist from the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) group were sentenced by a Vatican court last June to nine months in prison and ordered to pay 28,148 euros in damages and 3,500 euros in additional costs. This was confirmed today, Tuesday, by the Court of Appeal.

"Completely disproportionate"
The group described the sentence as "completely disproportionate", as the statue had not suffered any permanent damage. It also contradicts Pope Francis' calls for the international community to take action against the climate crisis.

Members of the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) during their sticking action in the Vatican Museums in August 2022(Bild: AP)

The Last Generation has repeatedly made headlines in recent months, not only in Austria but also in Italy, for example with a paint attack on the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Italy's government wants to crack down on climate activists in future. Three weeks ago, the Chamber of Deputies passed a bill that provides for strict penalties for people who defile, destroy or deface places of interest.

Fines of up to 60,000 euros are envisaged. The new law, which was already approved in July, is intended to prevent acts of vandalism against works of art, said Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.