Greenpeace Prepares International Lawsuit to Defend Freedom of Speech

Greenpeace, an environmental advocacy organiza tion, recently suffered a setback in its fight against Big Oil company Energy Transfer (ET), when a jury issued a $660 million award against the organization. The lawsuit is a clear-cut example of how a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is used against activists and non-profits that speak out against injustices, like the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), by burying them in expensive, drawn-out legal battles so that they can no longer fight back.

“This case should alarm everyone, no matter their political inclinations,” said Sushma Raman, Greenpeace Fund Interim Executive Director. “It’s part of a renewed push by corporations to weaponize our courts to silence dissent. We should all be concerned about the future of the First Amendment... These rights are critical for any work toward ensuring justice – and that’s why we will continue fighting back together, in solidarity.”

Now, Greenpeace International is suing several ET entities involved in the DAPL dispute for all damages it has suffered because of ET’s unjust lawsuits and the prejudice displayed in North Dakota.

For example, ET’s key findings lacked evidence, evidence supporting Greenpeace was excluded, there was ongoing concern about the fairness and impartiality of the jury, and requests for a change in venue were denied.

Kristin Casper, Greenpeace’s general counsel said, “This isn’t just a fight for Greenpeace defendants: it’s a fight about the protection of fundamental rights for everyone. We are committed to our values, such as nonviolence, independence, and promotion of solutions. We won’t back down...This is the kind of fight that we were made for.”