Climate Activist Wins UK Deportation Appeal | Protest News

Climate Activist Wins Appeal against UK Deportation After Queen Elizabeth bridge Protest

A German national and climate activist has successfully overturned a deportation order following a conviction for a protest on the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, averting what would have been a landmark case concerning the right to peaceful demonstration in the United Kingdom.

Marcus Decker, 36, was initially sentenced to two years and seven months in prison after scaling the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, part of the Dartford Crossing, and displaying a banner for Just Stop Oil in October 2022. He was subsequently served with an automatic deportation order while incarcerated. Had the appeal failed, Decker would have been the first individual deported from the UK solely for engaging in peaceful protest.

did you know? – The Queen Elizabeth Bridge is a key part of the Dartford Crossing, a major route across the River Thames. Disrupting it causes significant traffic delays.

Challenging Disproportionate Punishment

Decker’s legal team argued that deportation would be a disproportionate response, infringing upon his right to family life with his partner, Holly, and her children. They further contended that such action would have a chilling effect on legitimate protest, particularly given the urgency of the escalating climate crisis.

The tribunal judge allowed Decker’s appeal at the conclusion of Monday’s hearing,a decision that came as a surprise,as he had anticipated a later ruling. Decker expressed his relief, stating: “After an intense day of legal proceedings and an hour of harrowing cross-examination for both my partner, Holly, and me, I’m deeply relieved that we’ve won today. I feel this is a huge victory for the climate movement and for the laws protecting peaceful protest in this country as a whole. The judge’s level of confidence in unusually announcing the outcome promptly is a chink of hope in an habitat of repression.”

Pro tip: – Deportation orders are frequently enough automatically triggered by prison sentences of a certain length, nonetheless of the nature of the offense.This is what initially led to Decker’s deportation case.

Lengthy Appeal Process

Decker was released from prison in February of last year after serving 16 months. Ironically, he served a longer sentence than fellow protester Morgan Trowland, despite Trowland receiving a three-year jail term. This discrepancy stemmed from Decker initiating his appeal against deportation while still imprisoned, extending his overall time served.

Broad Support for Decker’s Case

The appeal garnered significant support from a diverse range of figures,including climate experts,religious leaders,celebrities,and members of the public.Michel Forst, the UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders, submitted a 10-page letter to the government opposing the deportation. Furthermore,Decker received endorsements from 22 Nobel prize laureates and 562 actors,musicians,and artists.

Prominent voices speaking out against the deportation prior to the appeal included Lord Hain, a former cabinet minister and key figure in the anti-apartheid movement; Sir David King

Reader question: – Do you think peaceful protest should ever result in deportation, even for non-citizens? What level of disruption is too much?

Why did this happen? Marcus Decker, a German national and climate activist with Just Stop Oil, was deported after scaling the Queen Elizabeth bridge in October 2022 and displaying a banner. He was initially sentenced to two years and seven months in prison, triggering an automatic deportation order.

Who was involved? Key figures include Marcus Decker, his partner Holly, fellow protester Morgan Trowland, UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst, 22 Nobel laureates, 562 artists, and Lord Hain.

What was the outcome? Decker successfully appealed the deportation order on Monday, averting a landmark case. The judge ruled the deportation would be a disproportionate punishment.

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