Climate Activists Jailed for Vandalizing Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'

Two climate activists from Just Stop Oil, Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, were jailed for throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' in the National Gallery. The act caused considerable frame damage, amounting to 10,000 pounds. Despite pleading not guilty, both received prison sentences after a trial.

In a dramatic protest, two climate activists from the group Just Stop Oil were sentenced for causing damage to Vincent van Gogh's iconic 'Sunflowers' painting in London's National Gallery. Phoebe Plummer, 23, and Anna Holland, 22, made headlines when they threw tins of Heinz tomato soup at the masterpiece in October 2022, gluing themselves to the wall beneath the painting.

Despite the protective screen saving the actual painting, the frame sustained up to 10,000 pounds ($13,385) worth of damage, as confirmed by prosecutors. Both activists were tried at Southwark Crown Court and found guilty. Plummer received a two-year prison sentence for criminal damage, while Holland was sentenced to 20 months.

Judge Christopher Hehir emphasized the severity of their actions, stating they were 'within the width of a pane of glass' from irreparably damaging or destroying the priceless artwork.

(With inputs from agencies.)