In a landmark ruling, climate activists who brought traffic to a standstill on the E4 highway in Solna during a rush hour protest in August 2022 have been cleared of sabotage by the Svea Court of Appeal.

Initially convicted for sabotage by the Solna District Court, which could carry a sentence of life imprisonment, the higher court has instead found them guilty of a lesser charge of disobedience to the police.

This decision marks a significant moment in the legal handling of climate protests, reflecting on the balance between demonstrating for urgent environmental issues and the legal boundaries of such actions.

The ruling, favoring the argument that the disruption did not constitute a "serious attack against central societal functions," could influence future cases involving climate activism.

The activists, from across Sweden, were instead sentenced to pay fines, a verdict that underscores the ongoing debate over the legality and morality of direct action in climate advocacy.