In a landmark decision, a climate activist and researcher has been acquitted by Stockholm's district court after participating in traffic-blocking protests in August 2022. The court ruled that the activist acted out of necessity due to the urgent threat of climate change, marking the first instance of such a defense being successful.

The activist, who faced charges of disobedience to law enforcement, was initially convicted but later freed upon appeal.

The court acknowledged the immediate danger posed by climate change and recognized the researcher's moral and professional duty to act.

This ruling, described as historic by legal experts, highlights the growing legal recognition of climate urgency.

However, the decision was not unanimous, and further appeals are anticipated.