Why did Zac Goldsmith run away from Licypriya Kangujam's 'jailed climate activists' question?

UK Energy, Climate, and Environment Minister Zac Goldsmith have walked away from an 11-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam at COP27 who repeatedly asked when the government will release jailed climate protesters.

Climate activist Licypriya Kangujam on Twitter wrote ‘I asked him, ‘When will you release those jailed climate activists your Govt. arrested for protesting to stop new oil & gas license across the UK?’ He replied, ‘No idea’ & run away!’

In another Tweet, Licypriya Kangujam said ‘I asked him, ‘When will you release those jailed climate activists your Govt. arrested for protesting to stop new oil & gas license across the UK?’ He replied, ‘No idea’ & run away!’

In the viral video, Zac Goldsmith is seen addressing his young critic, but then walks away when she questions his government’s position on climate issues. Much of what she says is inaudible, but she can be heard saying ‘I can’t do anything’ as she heads straight for the exit.

She tweeted: “If he can do nothing then why is he a minister? Why he’s coming to #COP27 ? This is unacceptable. This is not fair.”

Later Zac Goldsmith commented on the incident. He wrote ‘People shouldn’t be rude about this young activist. She was polite. I answered that no one should be imprisoned for peaceful protest, that as a UK Minister I am not involved in judicial/police matters, & I cannot release people from jail!).

How many climate activists were jailed in the UK?

In December of last year, at least 18 peaceful environmental protesters were sent to prison. As concern over the climate crisis grows, activists have been jailed after blocking roads.

At least eight other environmental activists have served prison sentences in 2021 for contempt of court actions

Reaction

A user wrote ‘Highly inappropriate (bordering on corrupt practice) for a Politician to interfere in the Judicial Process. Best left to Judges and lawyers.’

Another user ‘He now sits in the House of Lords so is not the cabinet member for energy; he probably has little knowledge or influence over what you are asking. Also worth noting in his time, he has done lots of good environmental work, particularly establishing marine protection zones.’

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