In a recent ruling on Wednesday (March 19), an American jury has determined that the environmental organization Greenpeace must pay over 660 million dollars in compensation to an oil pipeline company. The company filed defamation charges and claims against Greenpeace in connection with protests by organization members against the construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Energy Transfer and its subsidiary Dakota Access have accused three branch organizations under Greenpeace based in the Netherlands of defamation, illegal trespassing, harassment, civil conspiracy, and other illegal activities. The jury’s decision on the damages will be shared among these three entities in varying amounts, totaling nearly 666.9 million dollars.
Following the verdict by the nine-member jury, Greenpeace has stated that they will appeal the decision.
Energy Transfer stated that the Wednesday ruling was a “victory” for Americans who understand the distinction between freedom of speech and illegal actions.
Trey Cox, the lawyer for Energy Transfer, mentioned in a statement, “This decision clearly conveys a message that when the right to peaceful protest is abused in a lawless and exploitative manner, responsibility will be held for such behavior.”
This case dates back to protests in 2016 and 2017 against Dakota Access pipeline company. Protesters have long opposed the pipeline crossing, believing it would threaten their water supply.
The oil transported through this multi-state pipeline accounts for about 5% of the daily U.S. oil production and began in mid-2017.
Cox previously alleged that Greenpeace had executed a plan to stop the construction of the pipeline. In court statements, he accused the organization of paying individuals to enter the area for protests, sending blockade supplies, organizing or leading training against protesters, and making false statements about the project to hinder its progress.
Lawyers for Greenpeace argued that these accusations were baseless, with few or no organization members participating in the protests. They also stated that Greenpeace had no involvement in any delays in construction or refinancing by Energy Transfer.
(Reference: Associated Press)