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The Lawsuit Scaring Protesters

6 snips
Jun 24, 2025
Independent investigative reporter Alleen Brown, an expert on the Standing Rock protests, dives into the recent monumental ruling that found Greenpeace liable for over $660 million connected to the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She highlights the broader implications of using legal tactics to intimidate activists and discusses the persistent surveillance and suppression faced by protesters. Brown reveals how these legal battles threaten environmental advocacy and explores the precarious balance of activism in today's political climate.
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ANECDOTE

Spontaneous Protest Growth

  • The Standing Rock protest grew spontaneously from a small Indigenous camp.
  • Spectacular violence against protesters sparked viral international support and swelling crowds.
INSIGHT

Greenpeace's Minimal Involvement

  • Greenpeace's involvement in Standing Rock was minimal, mostly invited by Indigenous organizers.
  • The oil company targeted Greenpeace due to its brand, not because of deep involvement.
INSIGHT

RICO Laws Used Against Protesters

  • The initial lawsuit used RICO laws to equate social movements with criminal conspiracy.
  • This legal framing aims to scare supporters and criminalize protest participation.
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