Greta Thunberg: Climate activist charged with disobeying police order at protest
By Sky News
Published
1 min read
The campaigner was detained amid a protest in the Swedish city of Malmo last month.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been charged with disobeying a police order during a protest in her home country.
The 20-year-old environmental campaigner was arrested after allegedly refusing to leave the demonstration in the southern city of Malmo on 19 June.
Activists reportedly blocked oil tankers in the harbour.
A statement by Swedish prosecutors said a "young woman" - confirmed as Ms Thunberg by the prosecution agency - was charged because she "refused to comply with police orders to leave the scene".
The crime of disobedience is typically punishable with a fine if convicted, but there is a chance the activist could face up to six months in prison.
Ms Thunberg posted on Instagram during the protest saying: "The climate crisis is already a matter of life and death for countless people.
"We chose to not be bystanders, and instead physically stop the fossil fuel infrastructure. We are reclaiming the future."
Prosecutor Charlotte Ottosen said: "You have the freedom to demonstrate, but you must not demonstrate in such a way that it causes disturbances for others."
Ms Thunberg will reportedly face a trial at the end of July.
