Jury Orders Greenpeace to Pay $660 Million Over Dakota Pipeline Protests
A North Dakota jury has ruled that Greenpeace must pay at least $660 million to Energy Transfer, a Dallas-based oil and gas company, for defamation and other claims related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and 2017.
Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of inciting criminal behavior and conducting a misinformation campaign during the protests. Greenpeace denies these claims and plans to appeal, stating that such lawsuits aim to suppress peaceful protest and free speech.
The verdict has raised concerns among constitutional rights advocates about potential impacts on activism and free speech. Greenpeace expressed apprehension about receiving a fair trial, noting that many jurors had ties to the fossil fuel industry. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which led the protests, also questioned the trial’s fairness.
Energy Transfer welcomed the decision, stating it holds Greenpeace accountable for actions that allegedly disrupted local communities.
Greenpeace intends to appeal the verdict, emphasizing its commitment to non-violent activism and the protection of free speech and peaceful protest rights.
