On October 14th, 2022, Phoebe Plummer and I threw tomato soup at Van Gogh's Sunflowers in the National Gallery. We asked the question "what is worth more: art or life?"
On September 27th, 2024, Judge Hehir - who recently made headlines by giving the longest prison sentences for non-violent protest in British history - answered that question.
After previously saying that the climate crisis was "neither here nor there", he sentenced myself to 20 months in prison and Phoebe to 24 months (plus an additional 3 months for a slow march in London) for "Category 1 harm: substantial social impact". Some soup dripped onto the frame. The painting had no damage.
At a time when the prisons are dangerously full, this a gross misuse of his power. The country has far more pressing concerns than two young people who took action for the climate two years ago.
The money raised in this fundraiser will be used for the following things:
1) Pay for phone credit and mailing costs so that I can keep in touch with friends and family.
2) Help cover my rent until my flatmate can find someone new.
3) Allow me time to find a job when I am released from prison without having to immediately stress about money.
4) Pay for books, extra food (there is not enough as a veggie or vegan!), writing supplies, and other essentials.
5) To cover transport costs to allow my family and my partner to visit me should they need it.
Thank you for donating any money that you can spare and I hope to see all of you as soon as possible. Love and solidarity. Anna.
Note: This crowdfunder was created by Anna's partner on their behalf. Anna was able to review and make edits to the text on the crowdfunder but does not have access to a computer.