Five animal rights activists, Rachel Steele (48), Christopher Bennett (27), Riley Ings (27), Louis McKechnie (23), and Claire Smith (26), all from Animal Rising, were found guilty by Southwark Crown Court, London, of causing £7,080 in damage to the Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain, Buckingham Palace, on August 26, 2021 by adding red dye. The group said that the protest was against use of crown land for hunting innocent animals and animal agriculture. The jury of 11 reached a verdict after nearly eight hours of deliberation (note 1).
“The wild animals and birds have disappeared because of the evil in the land,” Jeremiah the great prophet sighed (Jeremiah 12:4 NLT). And “Thou shalt not kill” is the Sixth Commandment issued by Yahuah (God) (Exodus 2013 KJV; Matthew 19:18 KJV). According to Reuben Alcalay (1981), one of the greatest contemporary linguists cum author of The Complete Hebrew-English Dictionary, “Thou shalt not kill" refers to "any kind of killing whatsoever.” The original Hebrew is לֹא תִּרְצָח Lo tirtzakh, which requires us to stop ourselves from killing any sentient beings altogether (see Rosen 2004:87). Equally importantly, Jesus said, “I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13 NASB). Similarly, Buddha warns that those who kill sentient beings will inevitably end up in Raurava, i.e., Hell (Lankavata Sutra, Vol. 8, Section 16).
So the five accused, in their peaceful protest, were just enacting the compassionate spirit of Buddha and Jesus, whether they are Christians or Buddhists or not. It is hoped that they will be given a lenient sentence, and that the Royal Family will review their practice of violent hunting and non eco-friendly animal agriculture.
During the trial, Prosecutor Ailsa McKeon claimed that the activists intended to turn the water red to create the impression of a bloodbath. However, the activists denied intending or recklessly causing any damage. The fountain, usually cleaned monthly, required an emergency clean after the incident due to concerns that the porous marble might absorb the dye. The defense, with Laura Stockdale representing Steele and Bennett, and Shina Animashaun representing Ings, McKechnie, and Smith, argued that the dye was intended for bodies of water and would not have caused permanent damage. They also stated that the fee for cleaning up the fountain after the incident was overcharged. All defendants denied the charges and will be sentenced on October 18.
Note
The 12th one had earlier on been discharged for going to investigate the fountain concerned during deliberation.
The primary image shows Chapman Chen holding a signboard with an Animal Rising officer (NOT one of the defendants) (@Chapman Chen)
The overlaid image shows four of the defendants (@Anna & Rachy)
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