France disbands climate NGO over alleged eco-terrorism and protest violence.
The French government has disbanded Les Soulèvements de la Terre (Earth Uprising), a climate activist movement, following violent clashes with police. The group, which has no clear leadership structure, has more than 115,000 supporters and has taken radical action to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection. The government accused the activists of "eco-terrorism" and threatened to disband the group. The movement vowed to battle the decision in court, calling it "politically motivated" and "an unacceptable attempt to muzzle freedom of expression." Green and left-wing politicians denounced the government's decision, calling it "a democratic absurdity."