Famous actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch or Emma Thompson and activist Greta Thunberg are among the signatories of the letter published this Monday by the British oil company Shell in which his lawsuit against environmentalists Greenpeace for the protest last year.

Translators Imelda Staunton and Stephen Fry and singer Paloma Faith appear on the list of signatories of the text addressed to CEO Wael Sawan, which also includes lawyers and organizations such as Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth, together with more than 100 thousand citizens.

In its statement, Greenpeace explained that Shell filed the claim at the end of 2023, seeking damages of more than 1 million dollars plus legal fees for protest that the NGO made in January 2023 by seizing the company’s mobile oil platform near Gran Canaria (Spain).

It is one of the biggest legal threats against Greenpeace in its more than 50-year history, said the environmental group, which claims the protest “was an exercise in the right to freedom.” freedom of expression and assembly, protected by both domestic law and international law.”

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The letter calls on Shell to “respect people’s right to protest changing of the climate; stop development again oil and gas; and use his vast wealth to help countries and communities most affected by the climate crisis he played a significant role in creating.”

He also tells his CEO that, despite the hype the company tries to put on its supposed green credentials, “he has cut investment and jobs in his manufacturing division since the start of his tenure.” Renewable Energy; abandoned plans to reduce production and committed to continue exploring new oil and gas fields.”

In justifying its claim last year, Shell said both the company and its partners are “entitled to compensation for the significant losses they suffered in responding to Greenpeace’s dangerous actions.”

(EFE)