Today, one of the most serious processes for freedom of expression in recent history starts in Mandan, North Dakota, USA. Energy transfer, a billion-dollar energy group that operates the Dakota Access Pipeline, demands 300 million US dollar compensation from Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace. The process deals with the role of Greenpeace in resistance to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The lawsuit – one of the greatest strategic lawsuits against the participation of the public (Slapp), which has ever been submitted – not only threatens environmental justice, but also the right to protest and freedom of expression.
Deepa Padmanabha, legal advisor at Greenpeace in the USA: “Apart from the effects of the lawsuit on Greenpeace, the case could create a dangerous, legal precedent. This could lead to all participants being responsible for the actions of other protest -miters. This could have a deterrent effect on everyone who wants to participate in protests. ”
The Dakota Access Pipeline extends over a total length of 1,880 kilometers and transports oil from the US state of North Dakota to the pipeline hub in Patoka, Illinois. Energy Transfer’s lawsuit against Greenpeace is related to the protests guided by indigenous people in 2016 against the pipeline in standing rock that was being planned at the time. Greenpeace International and Greenpeace USA have been fighting against complaints from Energy Transfer since 2017. The energy group wrongly claimed that the Greenpeace protests had been organized. The lawsuit not only attempts to rewrite the story of the movement listed by the Standing Rock Sioux. A defeat in court would be a negative example for Greenpeace USA and would have far-reaching effects on environmental protection and air conditioning movement all over the world.
In parallel to the process in the USA, Greenpeace International, based in the Netherlands, made a lawsuit against Energy Transfer at the district court in Amsterdam on February 11th. The lawsuit is based on the anti-slapped guideline of the European Union, which has been in force since 2024. It aims to replace all damage and costs with the unfounded complaints from Energy Transfer. The complaints from Energy Transfer are clear examples of slapps (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). They are an attempt to overlay non-profit organizations and activists: to overlay with lawyers and court costs, to drive them into bankruptcy and ultimately restrict freedom of expression and to silence authorized criticism.
Jasmin Duregger, climate and energy expert at Greenpeace in Austria: “Energy transfer against Greenpeace in the USA shows how corporations try to silence critical voices. Such attempts at intimidation are also increasing in Europe. We won’t be silent because freedom of expression is not negotiable. ”
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Questions & contact:
Emanuel Salvarani
Press officer
Greenpeace in Austria
Tel: +43 (0) 664 8817 2251
E-mail: Emanuel.salvarani@greenpeace.org
Emanuel Salvarani
Press officer
Greenpeace in Austria
Telephone: +43 (0) 664 8817 2251
E-mail: Emanuel.salvarani@greenpeace.org
OTS original text press release with the exclusive in terms of content of the sender – www.ots.at | Grp