They glued themselves to the Laocoon, Vatican court sentences them: imprisonment, fine and compensation

Nine months’ imprisonment (albeit with suspended sentence), two fines (one of 1,500 euros and one of 120 euros) and the obligation to pay compensation for damages amounting to 28,148 euros: this is the sentence imposed by the Vatican Tribunal on the two eco-activists who glued themselves to the state of the Laocoon in the Vatican Museums on August 18, 2022. For the two activists, Ester Goffi (26) and Guido Viero (61), the Vatican justice promoter had initially asked for a sentence of 2 years and 5 days and a fine of three thousand euros. Finally, conviction also for a third activist, Laura Zorzini, who had filmed the action of the two comrades: she will have to pay a 120 euro fine.

For Goffi and Viero, the charge is that of damage: the glue they used to glue themselves to the marble base of the famous sculptural group was in fact found to be particularly tenacious and corrosive. However, the activists said they will appeal the sentence to the Court of Appeals . “Convicted and sentenced for doing the right thing, which is nonviolent civil disobedience by bringing attention to the climate collapse we are facing by investing in fossil fuels,” the movement to which the two belong wrote in a note. “The Vatican court sentenced Ester and Guido to nine months in prison, suspended sentence, and to pay a fine of €1,500 and compensation of €28,148, for damages that in fact turn out to be nonexistent. We feel, now more than ever, daughters and sons of Laocoon sent to their fate after those in government prove deaf to the warning that catastrophe is around the corner. We also wonder if the Pontiff’s condemnation will also come - given the determination with which Pope Francis speaks of combating the climate crisis - and, more importantly, against whom will the condemnation be? Against us or against those who, by investing in fossil fuel, are condemning us to death?”

They glued themselves to the Laocoon, Vatican court sentences them: imprisonment, fine and compensation

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