On 19 March 2021, climate activist Orla Murphy (19) carried out a protest action at the Department of Foreign Affairs to highlight the disparity between what the Irish government is saying about the climate crisis, and what it is doing, spray painting the words "no more empty promises" on the front of the building while Zac Lumley (21) recorded the protest.

The reaction of the gardaí, the courts and the public prosecutor has been exceptionally harsh. Scandalously harsh bail conditions were applied, with the two protesters having to pay €3,000, sign in every day at a police station, and being banned from Dublin city centre in Zac's case and the whole of Dublin in Orla's case. Zac spent 3 days in prison on account of being unable to post bail, whilst Orla who refused to sign these scandalous conditions spent 5 weeks in prison. Both now face very serious charges of criminal damage, which can potentially carry a custodial sentence.

We, the undersigned, believe that it is a scandal that the Irish state is using such repressive measures against young climate activists whose legitimate and peaceful protest caused a superficial and insignificant amount of damage that pales into utter insignificance next to the destruction being wrought to the Earth's climate.

We demand that the Justice Minister intervene and that the DPP drop all charges against Orla and Zac immediately.