Kumi Naidoo, the President of the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty Initiative, has written to Just Stop Oil supporter Louise Lancaster in prison. She is currently serving a four year sentence for her role in the M25 Gantry Actions in November 2022.
Kumi Naidoo is a globally recognized environmental and human rights leader, who has been a leading voice advocating for climate justice, sustainable development, and human rights across the world. He began his long career organising against the South African apartheid regime in the 1980s. He has also been Secretary General of Amnesty International (2018-2020) and Executive Director of Greenpeace International (2009-2016).
Here is the letter in full:
Dear Louise,
I stand in solidarity with you and your fellow activists during this challenging time. Your courage in the face of adversity is a testament to the vital importance of your cause in the fight against climate injustice. The peaceful protests and appeals you and your fellow activists engaged in are not just for you, but for the future of our children and their children and for the rights of all who seek to protect it.
Your actions inspire countless others to join this movement for change. You and your colleagues should not be in prison. You should be celebrated. You are all heroes to millions in the UK and around the world. Remember Mandela was vilified and imprisoned for 27 years but today he is celebrated as one of the greatest leaders of all time. Remember Martin Luther King was vilified and arrested 41 times. Today there is a national holiday in his name in the USA. Rosa Parks was vilified for sitting at the front of the bus instead at the back where she was told she belonged. Today there are monuments named after her. Louise this is how you and your 15 colleagues will be remembered in the future.
Please know that you are not alone. Together, we will make our voices heard and advocate for a just and sustainable future.
In solidarity,
Kumi Naidoo
President at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
Former Secretary General of Amnesty International (2018-2020) and Executive Director of Greenpeace International (2009-2016)
