Non-violent protesters should not have to disavow motives at trial, study says

<p>Academics say UK defendants should be able to explain reasons for their actions and not have to express remorse</p><p>Protesters charged with non-violent offences should not be forced to disavow their motives when defending themselves at trial or seeking mitigation on their sentences, academics have said.</p><p>In a challenge to the current approach to protest trials, a study argues courts should allow defendants to explain the reasons for their actions as a defence, and respect their integrity as a mitigating factor.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/mar/19/non-violent-protesters-should-not-have-to-disavow-motives-trial-study">Continue reading...</a>