A North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation and other claims related to protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline, awarding over $650 million in damages to Energy Transfer and its subsidiary Dakota Access. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision, stating that their fight is not over. The organization reiterated its commitment to continue its work despite the verdict. Energy Transfer hailed the verdict as a win for the people of Mandan and North Dakota, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between free speech and illegal actions. The case stems from protests in 2016 and 2017 against the pipeline’s construction, with allegations that Greenpeace orchestrated efforts to halt the project. Greenpeace denied these claims, asserting that they were exercising their rights to free speech and protest.
