After a widely publicized climate protest at Bromma Airport almost three years ago, the verdict has now been delivered. Of the 17 people charged, only two have been convicted of vandalism, while the others are completely acquitted of responsibility.
The incident took place on September 17, 2023, when police were called to the area around a private jet terminal. A number of activists were present at the scene, and the building’s facade had been sprayed with red paint. A plane and some nearby vehicles were also splattered with paint.
Initially, it was reported that the action affected an air ambulance, which was said to have been forced to divert. This information later turned out to be incorrect. In reality, it was an empty private jet from London that changed its route. As a result, the suspicions were limited to vandalism and possibly aiding and abetting this offense.
READ ALSO: 17 climate extremists prosecuted – paint attack on Bromma Airport
The trial largely revolved around which of the accused actually took part in the act of vandalism. Two people admitted to spraying the paint and took full responsibility. They have now been sentenced to conditional sentences and daily fines, and must together pay damages amounting to just over 76,000 SEK.
The remaining 15 individuals claimed they only participated in the protest by, for example, holding banners and expressing their opposition to private jets. The court found that there was not enough evidence to connect them to the vandalism, and therefore acquitted them all.
The prosecution had highlighted damages amounting to over 95,000 SEK, but the court clearly distinguished between those who carried out the act and those who were merely present.
Among those acquitted are both activists and individuals with academic backgrounds, linked to the climate extremist network Extinction Rebellion.